Pfizer third dose booster shot ‘strongly’ increases Delta variant protection, data suggests

In Pfizer's second quarter earnings presentation posted ahead of an earning call, antibody levels after a third dose of the vaccine were reported to be five times higher among people aged 18 to 55 against the Delta variant, and 11 times higher among 65-to-85-year-olds, according to The Hill.

"Emerging real-word data suggests immunity against infection and symptomatic disease may wane," states Pfizer, which demonstrated this in data showing antibodies against the "wild type" and the Beta variant virus waning after eight months from their last dose of the vaccine.

According to Pfizer's presentation, the company would be applying for an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration as early as August for the booster, with a likely focus on immunocompromised, older adults.

According to The Hill, experts state that antibody levels are not the only measurement of protection from the virus, with other parts of the immune system being activated against the virus.

"Some have noted Pfizer also has a financial incentive to sell more doses of its vaccine to use as boosters," wrote The Hill.

Earlier this month, the FDA and CDC issued a joint statement on the possibility of a booster shot requirement for immunity against the virus.

"Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. FDA, CDC, and NIH are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary," reads the statement, which adds that while they use data from pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer in their considerations, that data would not be relied upon exclusively.