Pfizer CEO: "Possibility of a 3rd Vaccine Dose... May Need Annual Vaccination"

"Variant Virus as a Key Variable"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla said there is a possibility that a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be needed within 6 to 12 months after completing the initial vaccination, CNBC reported on the 15th (local time). This remark was made amid uncertainty about how long the vaccine's preventive efficacy lasts, highlighting the need for additional doses for those who have completed vaccination.

In an interview with CNBC, CEO Bourla said, "It may be necessary to get the COVID-19 vaccine annually," adding, "A likely scenario is that a third dose may be required between 6 and 12 months."

He also predicted that additional annual doses might be needed after the third shot due to the continuous emergence of variant viruses. CEO Bourla emphasized, "Variant viruses are a major variable," and stressed, "It is extremely important to suppress vulnerable groups to the virus."

Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, also appeared on CNBC in February and stated, "Like the seasonal flu vaccine, it may be necessary to get a COVID-19 vaccination every year." CEO Gorsky also cited variant viruses as the reason for the need for annual vaccination. He said, "Each time the (coronavirus) mutates, treatments or vaccines may respond differently," and predicted, "We may receive the COVID-19 vaccine annually for the next several years."

David Kessler, Chief Science Officer for COVID-19 response leading the Biden administration's vaccine policy, also mentioned the need for additional doses on the same day. Kessler said in Congress, "We are studying how long antibody responses last," and added, "We should expect to receive booster shots (additional doses to enhance effectiveness)."

So far, it has not been confirmed how long the preventive efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines lasts. Pfizer announced on the 1st that based on an analysis of about 12,000 people who received its vaccine, the preventive effect was maintained at 91.3% even 6 months after vaccination. Moderna, which also uses an mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) based vaccine like Pfizer, said the day before that it showed over 90% preventive efficacy 6 months after the second dose.