Immune Effectiveness Drops to 84% Six Months After Vaccination
CDC, FDA, and WHO Claim Booster Shots Are Unnecessary
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, emphasized the need for a booster shot for those who have completed vaccination, stating that the immunity effect of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine may decrease by an average of 6% every two months after vaccination. In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) argue that the prevention effect against severe cases does not significantly decline, deeming booster shots unnecessary, suggesting that controversy will continue in the future.
On the 28th (local time), Albert Bourla, Pfizer CEO, said in an interview with CNBC, "Research results show that the immunity effect of the Pfizer vaccine drops to 84% within 4 to 6 months after vaccination," adding, "The vaccine's immunity effect may decrease by an average of 6% every two months."
He emphasized, "Even in Israel, where the vaccination rate is highest, immunity is gradually weakening. Booster shots should be administered promptly," and added, "Vaccine efficacy decreases over time, and there is precedent for vaccines requiring three doses for other diseases."
According to research results released earlier that day by researchers at the State University of New York, among approximately 44,000 Pfizer vaccine recipients observed, the prevention effect was 96.2% during the first two months after vaccination but dropped to 84% after 4 to 6 months. However, the researchers stated that the prevention effect against severe cases remained at 97% even after six months.
Regarding these research results, the FDA and CDC evaluate that booster shots are unnecessary because the prevention effect against severe cases remains high. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA's Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), stated, "The fact that only 3% of severe cases occur six months after vaccination means that two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are sufficient."
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also previously recommended increasing the first-dose vaccination of unvaccinated people worldwide rather than administering booster shots, given the severe vaccine inequity. The debate over the necessity of booster shots is expected to continue.
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