Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC that the company is already producing doses following the government demand, as authorities deal with high Covid-19 infection counts, including big numbers of “breakthrough” Omicron infections in vaccinated populations.
Bourla told the network, “This vaccination will be ready in March.” “I’m not sure if we’ll need it. I’m not sure if or how it’ll be used.”
Bourla said the existing regime of two vaccine shots and a booster has provided “reasonable” protection against serious health effects from Omicron.
But a vaccine focused directly on the Omicron variant would also guard against breakthrough infections of a strain that has proven highly contagious, but has also resulted in many mild or asymptomatic cases.
In a separate interview with CNBC Monday, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said the company is developing a booster that could address Omicron and other emerging strains in fall 2022.
“We are discussing with public health leaders around the world to decide what we think is the best strategy for a potential booster for the fall of 2022,” Bancel told the network.
“We need to be careful to try to stay ahead of a virus and not behind the virus.”
