The Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer has faced both favorable and adverse situations in recent months. On the positive side, it was the first to successfully complete its stages of clinical trials. For the same reason, since the end of last year it has been applied around the world. While it has also been marred by requests for a change in its immunization scheme. The pharmacist itself has indicated that the application of a third dose is required to guarantee adequate long-term protection.
In that sense, the first thing that was said is that two injections were necessary to offer 95 percent protection against severe phases of the disease. The drawback was that a short time later it was observed that after six months the level of antibodies decreased markedly.
Similarly, the appearance of different variants such as the Delta have represented a new challenge. Some have been suggested to decrease the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine. Therefore, the pharmaceutical companies have indicated on several occasions that it is best to apply a third dose that works as a reinforcement.
What do the experts think?
For all the aforementioned, the Advisory Committee of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a review and today released its position. As a result of what was observed, it was determined that a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine does not need to be given in those over 16 years of age.
The reason for this is because there is not enough data to show that there really are more benefits than possible risks of receiving three injections. It is also mentioned that current studies do not show conclusive evidence to recommend a third dose.
A serious side effect
In the same way, emphasis is placed on the concern for the recent cases of myocarditis that have been generated in young adults who have received the Pfizer vaccine. The relationship has been proven that the pharmacist itself had to modify its label and add this problem to the possible side effects that it can cause.
In this way, the previous announcement by President Joe Biden in which he stated that as of September 20, the third booster vaccination would be applied to citizens who already had the complete scheme.
In turn, the Committee of experts points out that it is recommended to receive an additional dose but only to people over 65 years of age who are at high risk of suffering a serious stage of the disease.
Finally, it is necessary to clarify that this is not yet the final decision. Although the Committee is in charge of offering recommendations in the end the FDA will give its own verdict. Although based on what happened in the past, the indications of the experts are usually always followed.