COVID-19: Pfizer-BioNTech seeks authorisation for 3rd shot as vaccine efficacy drops

*Pfizer and BioNTech announce they expect a third dose will perform similarly well against the highly transmissible Delta strain, which is quickly becoming globally dominant

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In view of the latest data from the ongoing trial, that a third shot could push antibody levels five to 10 times higher against the original Coronavirus (COVID-19) strain and the Beta variant, Pfizer and BioNTech announced Thursday, July 8 they would seek regulatory authorisation for a third dose of their COVID-19 Vaccine.

A statement said the decision was informed after the initial data from an ongoing trial showed a third shot pushed antibody levels five to 10 times higher against the original Coronavirus strain and Beta variant, the first said to have been found in South Africa, compared to the first two doses alone.

Likewise, based on drop-offs in efficacy observed in Israel after six months, the companies said they believe a third dose may be needed within six to 12 months after full vaccination.

“The companies expect to publish more definitive data soon as well as in a peer-reviewed journal and plan to submit the data to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency) and other regulatory authorities in the coming weeks,” the statement said.

Besides, the companies stated that they expect a third dose will perform similarly well against the highly transmissible Delta strain, which is quickly becoming globally dominant.

It was learnt the companies, out of caution, are also developing a Delta-specific vaccine, the first batch of which has been manufactured at BioNTech’s facility in Mainz, Germany.

The companies anticipate the clinical studies will begin in August, subject to regulatory approvals.

“While protection against severe disease remained high across the full 6 months, a decline in efficacy against symptomatic disease over time and the continued emergence of variants are expected,” the statement said.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a joint statement late Thursday saying authorities were studying “whether or when a booster might be necessary.”

The agencies stated: “Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time.

“We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.”

NCDC confirms presence of COVID-19 Delta variant in Nigeria

In a related development, as vaccinations against the damaging Coronavirus pandemic continue across the country, Nigeria has confirmed the detection of the Delta COVID-19 variant.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in a statement night of Thursday, July 8, 2021, said: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2.”

“The variant was detected in a traveler to Nigeria, following the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.”

The regulatory health agency, however, assured Nigerians, that the Federal Government has put measures in place to combat the disease, asking them to adhere to the recommended safety protocols.

NCDC said: “Proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper use of face masks, prevent infections and save lives,” it added.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.”

ConsumerConnect had reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Delta variant has an increased transmissibility, deadlier, and has raised concerns across the globe in recent times.

The variant has also been detected in over 90 countries, and is expected to spread to more nations.

“The variant has also been linked to a surge in cases in countries where it is the dominant strain in circulation.

Dr. Chikwe Iheakweazu, Director-General of NCDC

“There are ongoing studies to understand the impact of the variant on existing vaccines and therapeutics,” the agency explained.

Nigeria, which confirmed its index (first) case of the damaging virus February 2020, has continued to witness a slump in the number of infections since the beginning of the year, report said.

However, Dr. Chikwe Iheakweazu, Director-General of NCDC, has said that the rising numbers of infections in other countries yet remain a major concern to the West African country.

The NCDC Chief stated: “The surge in cases in countries across the world and Africa is an important reminder of the risk we face.”

The country has confirmed and recorded more than 160, 000 cases of the COVID-19 disease thus far, according to report.

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