Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said on Sunday that a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was needed to help manage hospitalizations and keep the disease milder.
“For now, as we have seen, we now need a fourth booster. The protection we get from the third is sufficient and is actually very suitable for hospitalization and death,” Bula said. Said while appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation”.
“It’s not very good for infectious diseases, but it doesn’t last that long. But we’re just submitting those data to the FDA and what experts say outside of Pfizer. You’ll see, “he added.
In August, the Food and Drug Administration fully approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for people over the age of 16. The third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine was granted an emergency use authorization.
Bula said CNBC His company’s plan to submit data for the fourth COVID-19 dose on Saturday.
“It’s clear that Omicron’s environment is needed to boost the immune response,” he said while appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Countries, including Israel, Chile and Germany, have begun recommending a fourth COVID-19 infection to high-risk groups.
Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan asked Bula if he hoped to avoid the same confusion about booster shots that occurred when the third vaccination was deployed. ..
“I think so, and now we need to be very well coordinated with the CDC, FDA, and industry to provide a cohesive picture to the American people and the world, not the turmoil. I think there is, “he said.
In an interview on Sunday, Bula reiterated his company’s goal of creating a longer-acting vaccine against all variants of COVID-19.
“We are currently very enthusiastic about making a vaccine that protects against all variants, including Omicron, as well as a vaccine that can protect it for at least a year,” he said. “And if you can achieve that, I think it’s very easy to follow and remember so that you can return to your previous life.”