The Pfizer vaccine currently requires two doses, but according to an interview with CVS Health on April 15, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says people will likely need a third dose after six to 12 months.
The CEO added that there would be annual vaccinations but nothing has been confirmed.
Regional Medical for the Texas Department of State Health Services Director Dr. Emilie Prot acknowledges the recent claim made by Pfizer that a third dose or booster might be required and says that it will not be very different from the current dosage of vaccinations.
“Getting vaccinated has helped decrease a lot of our hospitalizations and we saw that early on,” Prot said. “I don’t have any specific answers … to say ‘yes it’s going to be a third dose,’ but how is that going to happen, well, just like any other booster shot.”
According to Prot, there are more than 2,400,600 active cases of COVID-19 in Texas, including over 240,000 cases in areas within region 11, which covers Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy and Starr counties.
Prot said that the cases emphasize the importance of individuals receiving the correct amount of doses, so that vaccinations can be effective.
“We’ve had people that have only gotten one dose and have gotten exposed between their first and second dose so we do have to make sure that people understand that you have to be fully vaccinated,” she said.
Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at UT Health RGV Dr. Michael Dobbs adds his thoughts on a third Pfizer vaccine dose.
“The thinking is that the booster will enhance your immune response that you already have from the first two doses as it begins to wear off,” Dobbs said. “It’s not really a surprise that the COVID vaccine is going to require boosters, we just didn’t know for sure and had to wait to find out.”
Dobbs also said since a third dose has not been required, UTRGV has yet to put any plans of distribution into motion.
“We don’t have any word on when we might receive it and through what mechanism we might be able to receive it,” he said.
For more information on the vaccine and where they are being offered, visit the UTHealth RGV website.
