Pfizer-BioNTech announced the results from a longer-term analysis of Phase 3 trials measured seven days through over four months after the second dose.
Eligible individuals, who have not yet received appointments, can register to walk in for their free booster shots at PPVs listed on ProtectHealth’s website starting Nov 22.
Research conducted by an Israeli hospital indicates that a third vaccine dose with Pfizer yields more antibodies that are better at preventing Covid-19.
Health DG Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah cites Thai, Chile, and Turkey data that show higher efficacy from heterologous booster vaccination than three Sinovac doses, adding that Sinovac boosters have yet to be approved by NPRA.
A third dose with Pfizer or AstraZeneca for those who received two Sinovac shots showed efficacy above 90 per cent in preventing Covid-19 infection, symptomatic disease, and hospital and ICU admission.
Two Chile and Turkey studies show higher protection against Covid-19 with Pfizer as a booster dose compared to Sinovac for those double vaccinated with Sinovac.
An FDA briefing document shows that Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine not only reduces the risk of coronavirus infection, but also cuts the risk of symptomatic Covid-19 cases in children aged 5 to 11 years.
Health DG Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says NPRA has approved off-label use for a Pfizer booster shot for senior citizens aged 60 years and above who received two Sinovac doses.
The elderly aged 60 and above, health care staff, and frontline workers who were vaccinated with Pfizer will be offered Pfizer boosters, pending an MOH study on heterologous vaccination starting November in Sarawak.