Omicron Vaccine Coming... Pfizer in March, Moderna in Fall

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyun-ui Cho] The COVID-19 Omicron variant vaccine is expected to be released in March. As the world struggles with the spread of Omicron, attention is focused on whether this will be a breakthrough.

Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, stated in an interview with the U.S. economic media CNBC on the 10th (local time), "The vaccine being developed targeting the Omicron variant will be ready by March."

Pfizer is already producing some quantities. This vaccine is said to be effective not only against Omicron but also other currently spreading variants.

CEO Bourla said, "Some countries have requested 'to make the Omicron vaccine as soon as possible,' so we are preparing a separate vaccine," adding, "The existing vaccine, after three doses, has a decent effect in preventing hospitalization and severe cases, so we hope the new vaccine’s protective ability will be much better."

Moderna is also developing an additional booster shot vaccine for the Omicron variant, aiming for release this fall. CEO St?phane Bancel told CNBC, "We are consulting with global public health leaders to determine the best strategy for the possibility of an Omicron booster shot."

CEO Bancel said, "We must not fall behind the virus," and "We plan to start clinical trials for this booster shot soon." He also revealed, "Recently, South Korea, the UK, and Switzerland have signed advance purchase agreements for vaccines with prepayments totaling $18.5 billion (approximately 22 trillion won) in preparation for this fall."

According to research by the UK Health Security Agency (HSA), booster shots of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed up to 75% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic infection of the Omicron variant. Although the effectiveness dropped to only 10% twenty weeks after the second dose, the effect in preventing severe illness or hospitalization was maintained.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.