Pfizer could develop a modified vaccine in 2-3 months: “Including production, it will be available in 3-4 months” | Corona virus what you need to know

The demand for the modified vaccine has now been given the green light To give all adults in our country a booster dose And now in South Africa A new and disturbing variant has emerged. The latter – B.1.1.529 or the omikron variant – has several mutations in the spike protein with which the virus enters our cells. Since vaccines focus on this part of the virus, this may also have consequences for the action of those vaccines. But this is not yet clear.

“With regard to the delta variant, there is no immediate need for a fully adapted vaccine,” Ramakers says. “The situation is being monitored by international experts and we see that the current vaccine continues to work very well at the moment.”

Experts do not yet know what the new omikron variant will bring. “We know that – should the need arise – Pfizer will in principle be able to develop a new vaccine within two to three months,” he continues. Then production should begin. Altogether, new, modified vaccines should be available within three to four months.”

This is not yet the case, stresses Ramakers. “Current vaccines work very well against the delta variant. This is also important for boosters. Our current stock and future deliveries from Pfizer and Moderna could serve that purpose perfectly. So it doesn’t make sense to wait with your booster, because you think a modified vaccine It will be on the market soon. This is not a good idea.”

Read also: The emergence of the omicron is not necessarily bad news: “If it is less pathogenic than Delta, an increase in the infection rate would be a very positive thing”