Pfizer says 3rd dose of vaccine can “strongly” boost protection against Delta variant
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Multiple reports have said Pfizer released data suggesting a third dose of their vaccine can strongly boost protection against the Delta variant.
According to CNN, the data posted online suggests that antibody levels against the Delta variant in people ages 18 to 55 rise more than five-fold compared to a second dose.
Among people ages 65 to 85, the Pfizer data suggests that antibody levels against the Delta variant after receiving a third dose of vaccine are greater than 11-fold following a second dose.
But for now, national and local health officials, including Dr. Philip Chan from The Rhode Island Department of Health, are putting the breaks on a boost, until it receives federal approval.
“I think we need some more data, we here in the state of Rhode Island will be following the guidance of The FDA and CDC and once they make a decision we’ll follow their lead,” Dr. Chan said.
So if the booster is approved, what does that mean for those vaccinated?
“For immunocompromised, it may become standard to get the booster shot. I think the data is pretty telling with those individuals, but for the general person out there…I’m not sure,” Dr. Chan said.
Dr. Chan adds the booster shot could be a necessity for everyone if the variant continues to spread.
“We’ve been seeing rising cases in The United States and here in Rhode Island, so it may come to fruition that we may need the booster dose but I think we need to see more data that isn’t sponsored by the pharmaceutical company.”
Pfizer says it anticipates submitting data on the booster shot to the FDA as soon as next month
