BioNTech Chief Medical Officer Suggests Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose and Annual Boosters May Be Necessary

On Wednesday, Dr. Ozlem Tureci, Chief Medical Officer of BioNTech (BNTX.US), stated that people may need a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by Pfizer (PFE.US) and BioNTech due to waning immunity against the virus.

Dr. Tureci also predicted that people would need to receive coronavirus vaccinations annually, similar to seasonal flu shots. She stated that this is because scientists anticipate vaccine-induced immunity against the virus will wane over time.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has previously expressed similar views. Last week, Moderna (MRNA.US) CEO Stephane Bancel stated that the company hopes to offer booster shots for its two-dose vaccine in the fall.