Pfizer CEO says we may need a fourth vaccine dose to combat the Omicron variant
- Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that a fourth dose of the company's COVID-19 vaccine may be needed amid Omicron fears.
- "I think we will need the fourth dose. I've said that multiple times," Bourla told CNBC's "Squawk Box."
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that a fourth dose of the drugmaker's coronavirus vaccine may be needed amid growing concern about the Omicron variant.
"I think when we see real-world data [we'll] determine if the Omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long," Bourla said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday.
Bourla added, "I think we will need the fourth dose. I've said that multiple times."
The CEO explained that he previously projected a fourth vaccine dose would be needed 12 months after a third shot, but that that timeline might need to be moved up.
"With Omicron, we need to wait and see because we have very little information. We may need it faster," Bourla said.
For now, Bourla said he believes "a third dose will give very good protection" during the winter months.
Pfizer said on Wednesday that its two-shot COVID-19 vaccine with a booster jab appeared effective against the Omicron variant, but that two doses alone produced a lesser response.
Omicron — which was first detected in Botswana — was first spotted in the US last week.
The variant has since been found in 19 states across the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.