Three shots of BioNTech, Pfizer neutralizes Omicron

In a laboratory test, BioNTech and Pfizer stated on Wednesday that a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was able to neutralise the novel Omicron strain, and that an Omicron-based vaccine could be delivered in March 2022 if needed.

BioNTech and Pfizer said that two vaccine doses resulted in significantly lower neutralising antibodies, but that a third dose of their vaccine increased neutralising antibodies by a factor of 25 in the first official statement from vaccine manufacturers on the likely efficacy of their shot against Omicron.

Blood from those who had their third booster shot a month ago neutralised the Omicron strain about as well as blood from persons who had two doses of the original virus that was first discovered in China.

The best course of action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to ensure that as many people as possible are properly vaccinated with the initial two dose series and a booster,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement.

The findings are consistent with a preliminary study published on Tuesday by researchers at the Africa Health Research Institute in South Africa, which found that Omicron can partially evade protection from two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, implying that a third shot could help prevent infection.