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Pfizer CEO: Omicron Variant Could Mean Fourth Vaccine Dose Needed Sooner Than Expected

FILE PHOTO: A vial labelled with the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine is seen in this illustration picture taken March 19, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo

Washington: The chief executive of Pfizer Albert Bourla said that a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose may be needed sooner than expected in order to address the omicron variant,

Pfizer CEO earlier said that fourth dose could be needed one year after the third shot. However, in his latest comment, he said “we may need it faster.”

“When we see real-world data will determine if the omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long,” he said, adding that he believes a third dose “will give very good protection.”

A Pfizer booster shot increases virus-fighting antibodies 25-fold in blood samples tested in a lab, according to preliminary data.