Thread by @MonicaGandhi9

Pfizer and BioNTech/ Moderna Submit Application to U.S. FDA for EUA of Omicron BA.4/BA.5-Adapted Bivalent Vaccine- both the Moderna & Pfizer boosters have BA4/BA5 subvariants + old strain (latter gone in world). FDA asked for clinical
pfizer.com/news/press-rel…

data for BA1-original strain bivalent but that is not this vaccine- this is BA4/BA5 + OG bivalent where pre-clinical data & manufacturing data requested: assumedly means antibody titers (we previously had data in mice; this EUA may have human data)
medscape.com/viewarticle/97…

Like other variants & subvariants, BA4/BA5 more evasive of antibodies but not of cellular immunity- latter mediates protection from severe disease. Getting high boost of BA5/BA4 directed antibodies may prevent even mild infection while higher

I hope you can see @Medscape on B/T cells versus antibodies. BA1 subvariant booster clinical data will be helpful to see in BA4/BA5 EUA since BA1 booster increased antibodies to BA4/5; we can see clinical outcomes of that increase; mRNA vax technology adaptable; 1st time changed

Bottom line? Don't have some of the data yet but will get soon. Raising antibodies to the subvariant currently circulating (this adaptability of the mRNA vaccine was their promise) should prevent mild infections more from antibodies; older people always benefit from boosters most

Finally, whole virus vaccine (shows you whole virus like #covaxin) will eventually be great booster since you see epitopes of the virus beyond just in spike protein. #covaxin given millions in India; safe, effective, weathered Omicron well. END THREAD
medscape.com/viewarticle/97…