Despite Pfizer and BioNTech suggesting the need for a COVID-19 booster within 12 months from initial Comirnaty (BNT162b2) vaccination, experts said it was unlikely a third dose would be needed that soon. The high protection rate reported at six months and robust immunogenicity levels reported despite variants of concern (VOCs) are among the reasons for their optimism.
Both companies are assessing two booster strategies: repeat vaccination with Comirnaty or with BNT162b2SA, a version of Comirnaty specific for the VOC B.1.351, first reported in South Africa. Comirnaty as a third dose should offer enough of an immunogenicity boost to protect against the original variant, experts noted. In fact, it could even supersede Comirnaty’s two-dose immunogenicity data, which would make room for any negative impact of VOCs such as B.1.351, they said.
However, experts argued that using BNT162b2SA as a booster in the wider population may be a better long-term protection investment. It would allow vaccine receivers to have a broader immunogenicity profile and perhaps heightened protection against a variety of variants, they added.
Experts also noted the exploratory nature of the 144-participant booster study. Comirnaty’s Phase I/II/III trial was amended to investigate a third dose when given approximately 6–12 months after the authorised two-dose regimen. On 28 April, this news service reported COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer/BioNTech are likely to launch renegotiated vaccine prices that would include booster shots as soon as the fall.
In media interviews, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla and BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin have touted the possible need for a third shot within 12 months after initial vaccination. In response to a request for comment from this news service, a Pfizer spokesperson reiterated that it monitors trial participants for up to two years to study immunity with Comirnaty, with the booster investigation looking into safety and the two-dose regimen’s potential need for a booster. Pfizer’s market cap is $215.37bn, while BioNTech’s is $46.07bn.
Ainsi, on peut en comprendre que le BNT162b2 "initial" et le BNT162b2SA est l'injection de rappel qui adresse spécifiquement le "variant d'intérêt" d'Afrique du Sud.
Et c'est justement ce BNT162b2SA qui serait utilisé pour une hypothétique mais probable 3e dose.
J'ai cru important de différencier le BNT162b2 du BNT162b2SA.
-- -- --
