Pfizer has begun a study comparing its original COVID-19 vaccine with doses specially tweaked to match the omicron variant
The original vaccines still offer good protection against severe illness and death. Studies in the U.S. and elsewhere have made clear that adding a booster dose strengthens that protection and improves the chances of avoiding a milder infection.
“We recognize the need to be prepared in the event this protection wanes over time and to potentially help address omicron and new variants in the future,” Kathrin Jansen, Pfizer’s vaccine research chief, said in a statement. The new U.S. study is enrolling up to 1,420 healthy adults, ages 18 to 55, to test the updated omicron-based shots for use as a booster or for primary vaccinations. Researchers will examine the tweaked vaccine’s safety and how it revs up the immune system in comparison to the original shots.
In one study group, about 600 volunteers who received two doses of the current Pfizer vaccine three to six months ago will receive either one or two omicron-based shots as boosters. Another 600 who’ve already gotten three regular doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be given a fourth dose of either the regular vaccine or the omicron-matched version.
The study also will enroll some unvaccinated volunteers who will receive three doses of the omicron-based vaccine.The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pfizer starts clinical trial for omicron-specific Covid vaccineJUST IN: Pfizer and BioNTech announce that they have started a clinical trial testing a modified Covid-19 vaccine to protect against the omicron variant.
Read more »
Covid-19 news: Strain on health services led to extra non-covid deathsToday’s covid-19 news: · 4000 excess non-covid 19 deaths occurred in England during first year of pandemic · Acute phase of pandemic could end in 2022 with improved vaccination rates, says WHO · Israel recommends fourth vaccine dose for all adults
Read more »
Sinovac regimen gets strong boost from Pfizer, AstraZeneca or J&J COVID shots - studyA third booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech or Johnson & Johnson increases antibody levels significantly in those who have previously received two doses of Sinovac's CoronaVac shot, a study has found.
Read more »
Sarah Palin positive for COVID via home test hours before NYT defamation trial beginsSarah Palin tested positive for COVID just before she was supposed to go to court in a defamation lawsuit. The trial has been delayed until at least February 3.
Read more »
France’s New COVID-19 Vaccine Pass Begins MondayFrance’s new COVID-19 vaccine pass goes into effect on Monday, requiring ages 16 and older to show proof of vaccination to enter public places such as bars, restaurants, sports events, theaters, museums, entertainment venues and domestic flights and trains.
Read more »