Credit ACIP/CDC
#16,058
Yesterday, Pfizer's chief scientific officer, Mikael Dolsten made headlines when he stated that "The Pfizer vaccine is highly active against the Delta variant, But after six months there likely is the risk of reinfection as antibodies, as predicted, wane." (see Reuters report Pfizer, BioNTech to seek authorization for COVID booster shot as Delta variant spreads).
While we've looked at research suggesting that current vaccines might be somewhat less protective against the Delta (and other) variants than against the `wild type' COVID, most of the research finds they are still effective in preventing most serious illness and hospitalizations.
We do know that research has begun on the possible need for, and effectiveness of, booster shots (see UK To Begin New Clinical Trial On COVID `Booster' Vaccines), but this statement from Pfizer is the strongest we've seen on the matter.
For those who have been fully vaccinated - particularly early in the year - warnings that their protection might already be waning are understandably a concern. And for those who are not yet vaccinated, it might convince them that it isn't worth it getting the jab.
Within hours of releasing their statement, the CDC and the FDA released the following joint statement, which refutes Pfizer's claim - at least for the time being - that fully vaccinated individuals need a booster shot.
Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters
Media Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 8, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
The United States is fortunate to have highly effective vaccines that are widely available for those aged 12 and up. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta. People who are not vaccinated remain at risk. Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. We encourage Americans who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their community.
Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. FDA, CDC, and NIH are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. This process takes into account laboratory data, clinical trial data, and cohort data – which can include data from specific pharmaceutical companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively. We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.
There is also the concern that rolling out a 3rd shot to `rich countries' now - while 80% of the world have yet to have access to their first shot - is more than a little problematic.
Although I'm thrilled to be fully vaccinated against COVID, I recognize the limitations of any vaccine, and so I'll continue to wear a mask in public, avoid crowds, and take other precautions for the foreseeable future.
