"There is no information to suggest that the protection provided by the first dose of the vaccine to Corona is maintained after 21 days," the company announced. • The postponement of the second injection is not scientifically supported.
Pfizer announced today (Monday) that no information has been received indicating that the protection provided by the first dose of the vaccine to Corona is maintained after 21 days, so postponing the second injection by several months is not scientifically supported.
The company has in fact contradicted the claims of the British medical community, which recently recommended the government focus on as many starters as possible for the general population.
According to this model, the second dose will be given up to 12 weeks late.
Pfizer vaccine production // Archive photo: Reuters
In Israel, they discussed the adoption of the British model, but rejected the move in the end.
"We believe that the vaccine should be given according to what has been tried in studies, in two doses with a 21-day gain," said Prof. Hezi Levy, director general of the Ministry of Health, last week.
Dr. Tal Brosh, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Corona Vaccine Committee, also supported this position: "It may protect people in the short term, but in a year these people will be infected in Corona.
What's more, in Israel there will be enough vaccines for everyone in the future. "
In contrast, an infectious disease expert who is a member of the epidemic treatment team, said: "The second dose is just a booster, and can be given even after four or five weeks. The vaccine gives phenomenal protection after only ten days."
Participated in the preparation of the article: Meital Yasur Beit-Or