Pfizer and BioNTech’s updated COVID-19 booster shot shows strong early signs of protection against the Omicron variant, according to data released by the companies Tuesday..
The booster, which targets both the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variant, was found to be 95.6% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in a clinical trial of over 10,000 people. This is significantly higher than the 80% effectiveness of the original booster against Omicron..
The booster was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious safety concerns identified..
The data is based on a clinical trial that enrolled over 10,000 people aged 18 and older. Participants were randomized to receive either the updated booster or a placebo..
The trial found that the updated booster was 95.6% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, compared to 80% for the original booster. The booster was also found to be 100% effective in preventing severe COVID-19, compared to 95% for the original booster..
The booster was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no serious safety concerns identified. The most common side effects were pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache..
The data is still preliminary and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, the findings are promising and suggest that the updated booster could provide significant protection against Omicron..
Pfizer and BioNTech are planning to submit the data to the FDA for authorization in the coming weeks. If authorized, the updated booster could be available to the public in the fall..
The updated booster is part of a larger effort by Pfizer and BioNTech to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. The companies have already developed and produced the original COVID-19 vaccine, which has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death..
The updated booster is a testament to the ongoing efforts of Pfizer and BioNTech to combat COVID-19. The data is promising and suggests that the updated booster could provide significant protection against Omicron and help to end the pandemic..
