Pfizer (PFE.N) and BioNTech (220Ay. DE) administration suggested in a study conducted in Israel that the fourth dose of the vaccine prevents severe disease, hospitalization, and death for at least a month in older individuals against Omicron.

The study reported an estimated efficiency of the fourth dose from the 7th-30th day of administration as 45% against infection, 55% against symptomatic infection, 68% for hospitalization, 62% for severe disease, and 74% for death in comparison to the third dose administered at least four months prior. The study results were based on the comparison between 182,122 subjects aged 60 and older who have received their fourth dose to another 182,122 subjects in a similar age group who have received their third dose only.

The researchers added that the results suggest an effective outcome against the variant however further assessments are required to check the efficacy of the fourth dose over a prolonged period.

(Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fourth-shot-protects-against-severe-omicron-outcomes-covid-may-increase-risk-2022-04-14/ )