(Red Voice Media) According to Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech in Germany, three doses of the COVID jab may not be enough to limit the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron strain of the virus. Per the World Health Organization, the Omicron strain, which is purported to elude protections allegedly fostered by the COVID jab, has already spread to an estimated 90 countries since being discovered.
On December 20th, Sahin reportedly mentioned the lack of efficacy regarding a triple shot of the COVID jab with respect to limiting the spread of the Omicron variant.
“We must be aware that even triple-vaccinated are likely to transmit the disease. It is obvious we are far from 95 percent effectiveness that we obtained against the initial virus.”
Sahin’s company BioNTech was the organization that partnered up with Pfizer to craft the original two-dose COVID jab that began to have widespread distribution after receiving an emergency use authorization back in December of 2020.
However, while the COVID jab isn’t being touted as being effective in limiting the spread of Omicron, preliminary data regarding the adverse effects of the COVID variant have afforded “reassuring information,” according to Sahin.
This “reassuring information” is linked to early data from South Africa showing that those who’ve gotten their two-jab schedule of Pfizer/BioNTech saw a 70% decreased risk in hospitalization with respect to Omicron. However, Sahin claims it’s still a bit too early to celebrate with such early data.
“There will be a loss of effectiveness against Omicron over time, it’s very likely, but it’s still to be measured how quickly. I will not base predictions on preliminary laboratory data but on real-life data, which is much more appropriate.”
The immunologist and CEO noted the importance of getting tested for COVID with it being winter, especially those amongst the elderly population, saying, “otherwise, we will not be able to control the rapid expansion of this new variant.”
Sahin stated that they’re currently working on a new COVID jab tailored specifically for the Omicron variant, which they’re aiming to have completed by spring.
“We remain on track with our 100-day target, which means we should be able to deliver our first suitable vaccines to Omicron in March, subject to regulatory approval.”
When confronted with concerns brought up by some researchers that these new COVID jab rounds could wind up boosting ineffective immune defenses as opposed to fortifying appropriate immune responses, Sahin claimed it likely is not “a real problem,” but it should still be looked into.
“This principle is an unproven hypothesis. Personally, I don’t think this is a real problem. The immune system has high adaptability and plasticity and should be able to activate both, strengthening existing immune responses while generating new antibodies, but we will obviously have to assess it.”
