New research conducted by Pfizer and BioNTech has shown that a booster jab of their coronavirus vaccine may be an effective defence against the new Omicron variant. According to the research done by the companies, three doses provide a similar level of antibodies against Omicron to that of two doses against other variants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already said through their own research that vaccines should still work against severe Omicron cases. There is still a lot of doubt about the latest strain of the virus but researchers across the world are piecing together data about it.

In a statement earlier today, Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla said protection against the variant would be improved with a third dose of the jab.

“Ensuring as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the first two-dose series and a booster remains the best course of action to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he added.

The results of the small study are still preliminary and the companies said they would continue to collect data and evaluate real-world effectiveness. They also revealed that they are working on developing an Omicron-specific vaccine that would be ready for delivery within 100 days, pending regulatory approval.