The CEO of Pfizer says the pharmaceutical company’s COVID-19 vaccine recipients will “likely” need a third dose between six to 12 months after full vaccination, followed by an annual shot.
Key points:
The Pfizer CEO told US TV boosters were expected to be administered for years to come as variants continue to spread
The lasting effect of the vaccine is still being studied
The US government is preparing for the possibility that a booster shot will be needed between nine to 12 months after vaccination
Initial data has shown that vaccines from Moderna Inc and partners Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE retain most of their effectiveness for at least six months. But the lasting effect of the vaccine is still being studied.
CEO Albert Bourla told US TV network CNBC that boosters were expected to become a regular part of life for years to come, as variants continue to spread.