While pandemic conditions improve dramatically and vaccinations become more widespread, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla is reassuring the country about the company's vaccine’s effectiveness against new COVID-19 variants.
In an interview with CBS News, Bourla said he felt confident that the current vaccine should protect against the Delta variant, first discovered in India. "I feel quite comfortable that we cover it," Bourla said. "We will not need a special vaccine for it. The current vaccine should cover it."
Regardless, Pfizer is working on developing a new vaccine in response to the variants. Bourla said the company will begin working on the new formulas in the next 100 days or so.
The company is also running studies to determine whether or not a booster dose after the initial vaccination will be necessary.
Based on the preliminary research, Bourla said Pfizer is anticipating people will most likely need a booster shot, an additional dose of the vaccine, within eight to 12 months of their second shot.
Bourla is also hoping to begin vaccinating children as young as five by the fall with a new vaccine formula. As schools consider reopening next year for in-person learning, vaccinating those younger could be even more necessary.
Bourla emphasized herd immunity to protect young people.
"When you reach herd immunity, you protect the others as well, and kids will play a significant part in doing that," he said.
As the country reached 600,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths recently and vaccination rates plateaued in some areas, Bourla hoped to encourage those who might still be reluctant.
"I try to explain to them that the decision to vaccinate or not is not only going to affect only your life," he said. "Unfortunately will affect the health of others and likely will affect the health of people you like and you love the most."
Related
