Thread by @MonicaGandhi9

This is likely study (just got released) pushing booster conversation in US for >60 (of note, booster discussion most relevant to places with high circulating virus due to low vax rates, not urgent in EU now). Data from Israel -not an RCT-
nejm.org/doi/full/10.10…

but decision made in Israel to boost those >60 whose 2nd shot >5 months ago on June 30. This is data from July 30-August 31, 2021, from Israeli Ministry of Health database comparing those who had 3rd shot >=12 days before to those who had not. No matching on co-morbidities etc.

>= 12 days after booster, rate of confirmed infection lower (factor 11.3) in booster group than in nonbooster group as was rate of severe illness (factor of 19.5) . Better protection later on. Likely to push US to boost >60 while cases will circulating with our low vax rate

On other hand, FDA knew about early data Israel on boosters for >60 reducing infection & severe illness, but data from other countries still showing good protection & Pfizer FDA brief is more antibody-based so think FDA still skeptical; Friday important
statnews.com/2021/09/15/fda…