Scientists opposed to offering booster shots to all Americans said data provided by federal health officials wasn’t compelling enough to support the recommendation — some argued boosters could lead to more vaccine-resistant variants.
Data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that between Dec. 14, 2020 and Aug. 13, 2021, a total of 595,622 total adverse events were reported to VAERS, including 13,068 deaths — an increase of 702 over the previous week.
Pfizer hiked its projections for COVID vaccine revenues, telling investors this week it expects booster shots, a vaccine targeting the Delta variant and anticipated authorization of its vaccines for children as young as 6 months will drive revenues higher.
Pfizer met with U.S. regulators Monday evening to press its case for quick authorization of COVID booster vaccines but health officials, who remained unconvinced, called for more data.
U.S. federal health agencies and the maker of one of the most popular COVID vaccines are publicly at odds over whether fully vaccinated people will soon need a third booster shot.
The CDC’s advisory committee said there isn’t enough evidence to recommend booster shots as Pfizer reassures investors boosters will be needed long after the pandemic ends in an effort to secure its multi-billion-dollar revenue stream.
COVID booster shots are music to the ears of investors, but scientists warn trying to outsmart the virus with booster shots could create new variants, each more virulent and transmissible than the one before.
