"Pfizer Vaccine Prevents Over 80% Severe Cases of Two Omicron Subvariants"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A study has found that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by the US company Pfizer and the German company BioNTech prevents more than 80% of the risk of severe illness caused by infection with two Omicron subvariants.

On the 8th (local time), Bloomberg reported that Discovery Health, South Africa's largest health insurer, conducted a study involving about one million customers in Gauteng Province, South Africa, which yielded these results.

Subjects who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and were 1 to 2 months past their second dose showed an 87% reduction in the probability of hospitalization due to severe illness after infection with the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, which are known to be more transmissible.

The prevention rate of severe illness decreased to 84% after 3 to 4 months and to 63% after 5 to 6 months following the second dose. However, after receiving a third dose, commonly called a 'booster shot,' the prevention rate increased to 85% after 3 months and 88% after 4 months.

South Africa is regarded as a pioneering country in Omicron variant research. Omicron was first discovered in the world by South African scientists in November last year. South Africa was also the first country where Omicron became the dominant strain. Regarding the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, the first cases were confirmed in South Africa in April, after which they became dominant.

Starting this week, South Africa plans to administer the fourth dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to people aged 50 and older.