Study shows Pfizer booster has similar side effects to second dose

A preliminary study conducted in Israel found that the Pfizer-BioNTech booster causes side effects similar to those of the second dose, such as pain at the injection site.

Israel began giving booster shots to fully vaccinated people over the age of 60 last month as part of its efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, especially as the highly infectious delta variant continues to s ‘settle in the country as a dominant strain.

Israel’s largest healthcare provider, Clalit, announced Sunday that more than 240,000 people have received a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to Reuters.

Of those recipients, about 4,500 people took part in a recall survey, which they all received between July 30 and August 1, Reuters reported.

Eighty-eight percent of participants said they felt “similar or better” about how they felt after receiving their second dose.

Thirty-one percent said they had side effects, the most common symptom being pain where the injection was given.

About 0.4% of those surveyed said they had difficulty breathing and 1% said they had received medical treatment due to one or more side effects.

Ran Balicer, chief innovation officer of Clalit, said that although the survey results are “initial and self-reported”, they create a juxtaposition between the side effects of the second dose and the booster, which shows that “ in most cases they are similar or less in the booster.

He said the survey results further reinforce the benefits of getting the vaccine.

“While we do not yet have any long-term research on the effectiveness and safety of the third booster dose, for the personal risk management of anyone aged 60 and over, these results continue to hold true. indicate the benefits of vaccination now, as well as careful behavior among adults and avoiding congregating in closed spaces, ”Balicer said, according to Reuters.

The world is watching Israel start giving booster shots, with other countries weighing the decision of whether or not a third dose will be needed to protect individuals against the delta variant or future strains that could potentially be more virulent or spread. easier.

Dr Anthony FauciAnthony FauciBerlin nightclubs participate in COVID-19 Sheriff pilot project: Sturgis rally kicks off among busiest in decades Fauci ‘very concerned’ about COVID-19 outbreak after Sturgis rally MORE, President BidenJoe BidenCuomo’s senior assistant resigns Berlin nightclubs participate in COVID-19 pilot Project Lead pipe replacement funds in bipartisan deal sparks skepticism MOREThe chief medical adviser of, said on Sunday that it is likely that some people will need booster vaccines to provide them with continued protection against the virus, especially since preliminary data shows that protection in people fully vaccinated decreases over time.

Data released last month showed that the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine increased from 96% to 84% in six months.

Fauci said booster shots would likely be given to elderly and immunocompromised people first, as was the initial rollout of the vaccine, noting that this would happen “as soon as the data gets in.”