An omicron-specific vaccine is on the way. Here’s what we know so far

Vials containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are pictured on the Mountain America Exposition Middle in Sandy on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. Is an omicron-specific vaccine on the way in which?

Laura Seitz, Deseret Information

Pfizer and BioNTech have launched a scientific trial of a COVID-19 vaccine that particularly targets the omicron variant.

The information: Pfizer and BioNTech launched their trial for an omicron-specific vaccine as there may be rising considerations that the present vaccination pictures don’t cease infections and delicate sickness from omicron, CNBC reviews.

Quote: “Whereas present analysis and real-world information present that boosters proceed to supply a excessive stage of safety in opposition to extreme illness and hospitalization with omicron, we acknowledge the should be ready within the occasion this safety wanes over time and to doubtlessly assist deal with omicron and new variants sooner or later,” mentioned Kathrin Jansen, head of vaccine growth at Pfizer, in a press release.

Flashback:Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla mentioned earlier in January that a COVID-19 vaccine that targets the omicron variant can be able to deploy quickly.

• “This vaccine shall be prepared in March,” he mentioned. “We (are) already beginning manufacturing a few of these portions in danger.”
• This COVID-19 vaccine will goal different COVID-19 variants, too, he mentioned.

One thing to recollect: A current research, which was printed on a preprint server forward of peer evaluate, discovered that omicron-fighting antibodies dwell for 4 months after a 3rd shot of the Pfizer andBio-NTech vaccine.

• This means those that obtained the Pfizer vaccine might have a fourth shot 4 months after their third shot, which units up one other spherical of booster doses for the spring.