JUST IN: Pfizer Announces Omicron Variant Neutralized By Third Vaccine Booster Shot

Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images.

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE have announced that initial lab studies show a third dose of their Covid-19 vaccine neutralizes the Omicron variant. These results come as great news amid fears of a new variant running rampant as life returns to some normalcy.

From the Pfizer press release:

“Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with a third dose of our vaccine,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer. “Ensuring as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the first two dose series and a booster remains the best course of action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

“Our preliminary, first dataset indicate that a third dose could still offer a sufficient level of protection from disease of any severity caused by the Omicron variant,” said Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech. “Broad vaccination and booster campaigns around the world could help us to better protect people everywhere and to get through the winter season. We continue to work on an adapted vaccine which, we believe, will help to induce a high level of protection against Omicron-induced COVID-19 disease as well as a prolonged protection compared to the current vaccine.”

What does “neutralize” mean?  Well, News-Medical tells us:

A neutralizing antibody (NAb) is an antibody that is responsible for defending cells from pathogens, which are organisms that cause disease. They are produced naturally by the body as part of its immune response, and their production is triggered by both infections and vaccinations against infections.

No news yet from Moderna or J&J.