According to the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, the effectiveness of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine steadily declines over time, dropping to about 84% for vaccinated people. This occurs about four to six months after getting their second dose.
The statement, which was made on CNBC’s “The Exchange,” on Wednesday, July 28, was based on a study conducted by the company.
The study stated that the vaccine’s effectiveness was strongest, at 96.2%, between one week and two months after receiving the second dose. The vaccine, however, declined to an average of 6% every two months.
The efficacy after “four to six months was approximately 84%,” the CEO of Pfizer said. Data from Israel also showed waning immunity to the virus, the CEO further revealed.
“We have seen also data from Israel that there is a waning of immunity and that starts impacting what used to be what was 100% against hospitalization. Now, after the six month period, is becoming low 90s and mid-to-high 80s,” Pfizer CEO said.
Despite the drawback, the CEO is confident that a third dose of the vaccine is enough to protect people against the highly contagious virus strain known as the Delta Variant.
“The good news is that we are very, very confident that a third dose, a booster, will take up the immune response to levels that will be enough to protect against the delta variant,” said Pfizer.
The World Health Organization’s director of immunization, vaccines, and biologicals, Dr Kate O’Brien, noted on Wednesday, July 28, that her organization is researching whether a third dose is needed to increase protection.
“We’re very clear on this, there’s not enough information to provide a recommendation at this point,” Dr Kate O’Brien said in a Q&A interview posted on the organization’s social media accounts.
“Again, this is a very hot topic, and there’s a lot of research going on to be able to provide an evidence-based recommendation,” she further added.
Given this announcement coupled with the global shortage of vaccines, an all-important question remains, how effective and reliable are COVID-19 vaccines?
