Pfizer is developing a booster shot due to ‘waning immunity’ from its Covid-19 vaccine

2 million in Ireland now fully vaccinated.

Pfizer is set to develop a booster shot due to 'waning immunity' from its Covid-19 vaccine. The drugmaker is increasing its efforts to develop a booster shot, which will protect people from emerging and future strains of Covid-19. It is believed they're eager to offer a third dose to people within 12 months. The vaccines offer strong protection, especially against severe illness and hospitalisation, but they believe a booster shot will offer people the highest level of protection. Both Pfizer and their partner BioNTech have expressed concerns over people's immunity waning. They told CNN: "As seen in real world data released from the Israel Ministry of Health, vaccine efficacy in preventing both infection and symptomatic disease has declined six months post-vaccination, although efficacy in preventing serious illnesses remains high." They added: "During this period the Delta variant is becoming the dominant variant in Israel as well as many other countries. These findings are consistent with an ongoing analysis from the Companies' Phase 3 study." "Pfizer and BioNTech believe that a third dose may be beneficial within 6 to 12 months following the second dose to maintain highest levels of protection." People have been given two doses of the Pfizer vaccine since the vaccine rollout kickstarted earlier this year. An Taoiseach confirmed that 2 million people in Ireland have officially been fully vaccinated. It is understood that the majority of adults will be vaccinated by August or September. [caption id="attachment_392795" align="alignnone" width="1050"] PA[/caption] 70% of people have received their first jab. The news comes after Dr Tony Holohan confirmed 534 new cases of Covid-19 last night. He urged people to stick to the public health guidelines and to be wary of the Delta variant. “We are continuing to see an increase in the incidence rate of Covid-19, and so, it is important that we do as much as possible to control the spread of the disease as the vaccination programme opens to all adults over the age of 18."