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The brand new bivalent COVID-19 booster spurred neutralizing antibody ranges that had been fourfold increased in opposition to the omicron subvariants BA.4/BA.5 in older adults than these seen after the unique booster, Pfizer reported Friday.
The brand new information might assist calm considerations about whether or not the up to date booster is an enchancment over the earlier booster. However the fall booster marketing campaign—aimed toward stopping one other devastating winter wave—nonetheless faces appreciable challenges. For one factor, an incredibly low variety of People are rolling up their sleeves to get the shot.
Higher increase
Specialists all agree that the brand new booster shot, just like the outdated one, will revive waning immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and supply robust safety from extreme COVID-19. However some specialists have expressed skepticism about whether or not the up to date bivalent booster—which partially targets omicron subvariants BA.4/BA.5—will provide a clinically significant benefit over the earlier booster in stopping gentle infections in opposition to the subvariant.
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