A longer period between doses of Pfizer is not a problem – CSS – English
(ANSA) – ROME, MAY 12 – A senior Italian health official said on Wednesday that increasing the time between the first and second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from three weeks to six weeks is not problematic afterwards an official at the pharmaceutical company suggested that it was best to stick to a 21-day duration.
“I say this very clearly as a doctor,” said Franco Locatelli, president of the Italian Superior Health Council (CSS) and coordinator of the CTS expert group which advises the government on its response to the coronavirus, on RAI television .
âThe extension of the period between the administration of the first and the second dose to the sixth week, ie 42 days, does not affect the effectiveness of the immunization and allows us to distribute more doses of the vaccine. “.
On Tuesday, Pfizer Italia’s medical director Valeria Marino said her company’s COVID vaccine was designed to be given in two doses three weeks apart.
But on Wednesday, the company stressed that “recommendations on alternative dosage regimens are within the purview of health authorities.”
Locatelli said he understood Pfizer’s âprotective attitudeâ regarding studies performed over the three-week period between doses.
But he added that âreal-life studies have shown its effectiveness after a period of 42 days as well.
“So statements like yesterday are only worrying and it would be desirable to avoid them.” (ANSA).
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