BERLIN, (Reuters) – Pfizer Inc (NYSE 🙂 and German Partner BioNTech SE(NASDAQ 🙂 Thursday announced that Phase III data showed high efficacy for a booster dose from their COVID-19 vaccination against the virus.

According to them, a study of 10,000 subjects aged 16 years or older found a 96% rate of effectiveness against the disease in a time when Delta strains were prevalent.

A favorable safety profile was also revealed by the study.

Pfizer claimed that the two-shot vaccine’s effectiveness drops with time. They cited a study showing 84% efficacy from an average of 96% after four months. Some countries already had plans to offer booster doses.

According to the drugmakers, the median time from the first dose of booster shots or placebo was approximately 11 months. They also stated that only five COVID-19 cases were found in the booster group compared to 109 in those who received placebo shots.

Albert Bourla from Pfizer, the CEO said that these results are further proof of the health benefits of boosters. He also stated that he aims to protect people against this deadly disease.

Participants were 53 years old on average. 55.5% had 16-55 years of age, while 23.3% of those 65 and older were over 65.

According to the companies, they will submit the detailed trial results for publication in peer-reviewed journals to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency and other regulatory agencies as soon possible.

Already, the U.S. regulators and EU regulators approved a third dose COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer BioNTech. Moderna For patients who have compromised immune systems and are less likely to be protected by the two-dose regimens.