PFIZER expects an Omicron-targeted Covid-19 vaccine to be ready in March, said the chief executive officer yesterday.

Albert Bourla told CNBC that the company is already manufacturing doses due to keen interest from governments, as authorities contend with huge coronavirus infection counts, including large numbers of “breakthrough” Omicron cases in vaccinated populations.

“This vaccine will be ready in March. I do not know if we will need it. I do not know if and how it will be used,” Bourla told the network.

He said the existing regime of two vaccine doses and a booster provides “reasonable” protection against serious health effects from Omicron.

But a vaccine focused directly on the new variant will also guard against breakthrough infections of a strain that has proven highly contagious, but resulted in many mild or asymptomatic cases.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel, in a separate interview with CNBC yesterday, said the company is developing a booster that can address Omicron and other emerging strains in the fall.

“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 this year.

“We need to be careful to try to stay ahead of a virus and not behind it.” – AFP, January 11, 2022.