But the two federal health agencies also said that they “are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.”
“We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed,” the statement reads.
He cited early results of the company’s own studies that suggested a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine generated antibody levels that are 5- to 10-fold higher than after the second dose—thereby suggesting that a third dose may be more effective at neutralizing the CCP virus.
The CDC and FDA in their statement maintained that people who are currently fully vaccinated against COVID-19 “are protected from severe disease and death,” including from the more contagious Delta variant of the CCP virus.
“People who are not vaccinated remain at risk,” the statement reads. “Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated.”
The agencies encourage Americans to “get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their community.”
The Delta variant, first identified in India late last year, is highly contagious compared to prior strains, officials from multiple countries have said. It spread rapidly throughout India earlier this year before spreading to dozens of other countries.