Report: Israeli study to show that Pfizer booster shot protects for 9-10 months
A previous Israeli study showed that the booster was 92% effective in preventing serious illness
While the first two-shot dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine lost its effectiveness after only six months, an Israeli study that was leaked to the media has shown initial results that the third shot can be effective for up to 10 months.
Channel 12 News reported on Sunday that a study being conducted by Sheba Medical Center shows higher antibody levels and better prevention of the disease than the first two shots.
Israel began administering booster shots in late July – less than four months ago. However, the researchers apparently are analyzing current antibody levels compared to the timeframe of the first two shots.
Antibody levels of the first round of vaccination waned after five to six months leading to another wave of COVID among the vaccinated and unvaccinated alike this summer.
The study is expected to be made public in two weeks.
A previous Israeli study showed that the booster was 92% effective in preventing serious illness. Some 3,990,356 Israelis have received the booster out of a population of 9.3 million.
“The results demonstrate in a very convincing way that the third dose of the vaccine is extremely efficient,” said Ran Balicer, Clalit Health Service's chief innovation officer.
Israel has thus far worked exclusively with Pfizer.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
