The third dose of COVID vaccine from Pfizer is underway and preparing to seek the authorization of the Food and Drug Administration for use.

The vaccine developer added that another shot within 12 months could massively increase immunity and possibly help ward off the latest COVID strain, according to an NBC News report.

Pfizer and other used COVID vaccines offer strong protection against the worrisome Delta variant, which is now the dominant variant in the United States, accounting for most new COVID cases.

The company said that it is seen to publish more data soon and submit the FDA authorization request in the coming weeks.

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COVID Vaccine Third Dose

Two doses of the most COVID vaccines are needed to develop high levels of antibodies that fight the virus and all its strains, not just the Delta variant.

Studies are also ongoing to determine whether the booster shots might be needed and when they will be needed, according to an Associated Press News report.

Pfizer's Dr. Mikael Dolsten said that early data from the company's booster study shows that people's antibody levels increase by five to 10 after a third dose as compared to their second dose months earlier.

Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said that FDA authorization is just the first step, adding that it would not automatically mean that Americans get offered boosters.

Schaffner noted that authorities would have to deliberate if they are needed since millions of people have no protection against COVID-19.

Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shared Schaffner's sentiments. He said that companies earn an income, especially those who have manufactured vaccines for profit.

The medical expert added that the decision to use booster shots should be made based on public health solely and not on the economic incentives of the companies, according to an ABC News Go report.

Moderna had made the same suggestion of booster shots in the past. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said that booster shots will be needed as the virus is not going away.

U.S. Vaccinated Population

About 48 percent of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated as of now, while some parts of the country have lower immunization rates.

Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, said that is leading to two messages, such as the other highly immunized groups of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations and cases are rising in other places.

Walensky added that the quick rise is worrisome.

U.S. President Joe Biden had recently introduced their new effort in improving vaccination programs. Their new approach includes a door-to-door outreach, which earned criticisms from officials and other Republicans.

The president said that the U.S. is expected to have fully vaccinated 160 million residents by the end of next week, with more than 55 percent of the eligible population, according to a USA Today report.

Biden noted that one cannot be complacent now, adding that the best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated.

READ MORE: Moderna Scientists Warn Against New COVID Variants That Could Drive a New Wave of Transmission

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Written by Mary Webber

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