JERUSALEM (Reuters). Pfizer Albert Bourla, Chief Executive of Inc (NYSE) stated Saturday that an annual COVID-19 vaccination would be better than more frequent booster shots to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 vaccine by BioNtech/Pfizer has been shown to have a high level of effectiveness against the severe diseases and deaths caused by Omicron mutations, but it is less effective at preventing them from spreading.

Some countries are expanding COVID-19 booster vaccine programmes, or shortening the interval between shots in response to rising cases. This is a result of governments trying to protect themselves.

Bourla was interviewed by Israel’s N12 News and asked whether booster shots are administered on an ongoing basis every four to five month.

“This is not a positive scenario. Bourla stated that he hopes that there will be a vaccine available that can be administered once per year.

People are more likely to agree to it if it happens once per year. People remember it easier.

It is a perfect situation from a public-health perspective. Bourla stated that we are currently looking into creating a vaccine to cover Omicron but not forget about the other variants.

Bourla stated that Pfizer may be ready to apply for approval of a new vaccine against Omicron and to mass-produce it as early as March.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), citing three studies, stated Friday that a third dose mRNA vaccine was key in fighting Omicron and providing 90% protection from hospitalization.

Israel’s Sheba Medical Center released a preliminary study Monday showing that fourth shots can increase antibody levels to higher levels than those of the third, although it is unlikely enough to stop Omicron. Sheba indicated that risk groups still need to be given a second booster.