March 29, 2024
Coronavirus

Pfizer CEO: 3rd COVID-19 vaccine dose likely needed within 12 months of 2nd dose

Both Pfizer and Moderna are working on booster shots against new COVID-19 variants.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC that it’s “likely” a third COVID-19 vaccine dose will be needed within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated.

Bourla also said it’s possible people will need to get an annual coronavirus vaccine.

“We need to see what would be the sequence, and for how often we need to do that, that remains to be seen,” Bourla told CNBC. “A likely scenario is that there will be likely a need for a third dose, somewhere between six and 12 months, and then from there, there will be an annual revaccination, but all of that needs to be confirmed. And, again, the variants will play a key role.”

Pfizer said earlier this month that its vaccine continues to be effective against COVID-19 up to six months later. But researchers and medical experts do not know how long protection will last for those who have been fully vaccinated, as there is only six months’ worth of data. Moderna also said earlier this week that its vaccine continues to be effective up to six months after the second dose.

Both Pfizer and Moderna are working on booster shots against new COVID-19 variants.

“It is extremely important to suppress the pool of people that can be susceptible to the virus,” Bourla said.

John Sahly

John Sahly

John Sahly is the digital editor for the Shaw Local News Network. He has been with Shaw Media since 2008, previously serving as the Northwest Herald's digital editor, and the Daily Chronicle sports editor and sports reporter.