If the “Omicron” variant continues to spread, it would make sense to offer the booster vaccine three months after the first two doses, BioNTech co-founder Ugur Sahin told Der Spiegel.
“The Omicron variant is only a partial escape and can in principle be brought under control by vaccination,” said Sahin. “How strong the protection is and how long it lasts, however, more data are needed to determine it,” he added. Regarding the interval between the second vaccination and the vaccination, the German scientist emphasizes that the data have changed and for Omicron the two doses are no longer considered a complete vaccination with adequate protection. “If Omicron continues to spread, it would be scientifically sensible to offer booster vaccination after just three months. This is happening in Britain. But the decision is not ours. “The vaccine would provide the best possible protection if everyone received a booster dose three months after the second vaccination.”
Answering a related question, Ugur Sahin explains that if Omicron finally prevails, all those who are currently vaccinating will need another boost in the summer. And this vaccination would be really boosting, only if the vaccination is now complete, in three doses. The fourth vaccination could be adapted to the specific variant, but clarifies and assures that, if necessary, it is technically possible to produce more vaccines against different variants of the coronavirus at the same time. “If necessary, I am sure we could find a workable solution that would help us better manage the pandemic,” he concluded.
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