Evidence from Moderna shows its booster shots improved protection against the COVID-19 omicron variant. omicron is quickly overtaking the delta strain in many parts of the country.
Lab tests show the standard half dose booster increased the level of neutralizing antibodies against the variant by 37 times.
While the data is still preliminary, the president’s chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said tests from the National Institutes of Health found similar results.
Pfizer’s testing likewise found its COVID-19 vaccine triggered a similarly big jump in omicron-fighting antibodies. The vaccines made by Pfizer and by Moderna, both made with mRNA technology, are used by many countries around the world to fight the coronavirus.
Together, the available evidence backs health authorities’ increasing pleas for people to get their boosters as soon as they’re eligible.
Antibody levels predict how well a vaccine may prevent infection with the coronavirus but they are just one layer of the immune system’s defenses. Other research suggests the vaccine still should induce good protection against severe disease if people do experience a breakthrough infection.
Both Moderna and Pfizer are developing shots to better match the omicron variant in case they’re needed.
