UW Medicine conducting COVID-19 vaccine booster trial – KIRO 7 News Seattle

SEATTLE, Washington – The University of Washington’s Medicine Virology Research Clinic is one of 12 National Institute of Health-sponsored facilities selected to test the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses.

The study will give a single booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to those who have previously received both doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Participants will be monitored routinely for approximately a year after receiving the booster.

“We just want to be prepared for everything this virus throws at us,” says Dr. Christine Johnston, Senior Researcher and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Allergies and Infectious Diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“We want to have evidence of whether boosters are effective or not,” says Johnston. “Right now, I think we need a lot more data to understand when to get boosters, how to get them, how to phase them, the timing. And that is exactly what this process tries to solve. “

Participants must have completed one of the three approved COVID-19 vaccines or be ready to receive the Moderna vaccine with two vaccinations at least 12 weeks prior to the start of the study.

The jury is still open if booster shots are needed.

Pfizer recently argued with both the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration on the matter.

The CDC and FDA recently issued a joint statement stating that Americans do not need a booster vaccination yet.

However, Pfizer pointed out that its vaccine has seen a decline in immunity, particularly against emerging variants like the B.1.617.2 variant, also known as the Delta variant.

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Pfizer reported that the effectiveness of its vaccine fell from 90% to 64% as the Delta variant spreads around the world.

The company said it plans to get emergency approval for its booster in August.

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