Drug regulatory of the European Union (EU), European Medicines Agency (EMA) green lit the administration of the third dose of the vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) to the adults.

According to the statement of the drug regulatory of the European Union (EU) European Medicines Agency (EMA), in studies done with individuals aged 18-55, third dose was observed to raise the antibody level; thus, the immunity.

In the statement, they have stated that thanks to this, after the 6 months following administration of the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, third dose may be administered as a booster. 

It has been stated that there is not enough information about what kind of risks the known and extremely rare side effects will pose after the third dose and the studies regarding this issue are ongoing.

EMA also stated that the third dose of the vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna with the mRNA technology can be administered to the people whose immunity has been seriously weakened after 28 days following the second dose.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine received an approval from the EU stating that it is "effective and safe" in December 2020 and Moderna in January 2021. The vaccines are administered as two doses to people older than 12 in the EU countries.

Decisions of EMA have the status of recommendation for the EU Member States. The member states can make their own decisions regarding healthcare practices. The third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is already administered to those with low immunity due to various reasons in many EU countries.

Source: AA