Pfizer CEO says we may need a fourth dose of the vaccine

Initial studies have shown the new variant is skilled at dodging double-jab protection

Pfizer's CEO has said that a fourth vaccine dose may be needed to curb the spread of the Omicron variant and future variants to come. Albert Bourla, the current CEO of pharmaceutical company Pfizer, said that initial studies have shown that the new variant is particularly efficient at avoiding protection from double jabs of the vaccine. Appearing on CNBC, he said: "When we see real-world data, [we] will determine if the Omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long. And the second point, I think we will need a fourth dose." Bourla echoed comments from other experts, saying that "with Omicron, we need to wait and see because we have very little information. We may need [a fourth dose] faster". The CEO also said that anti-viral medication, similar to the pill Pfizer is developing, could help in the fight against covid. This news comes amid new restrictions coming into effect from Monday December 13 and Omicron cases jumping 90 per cent in a day. On Wednesday, 248 new cases of Omicron were detected, bringing the grand total to 817. "Early signs show that it is breaking through in vaccinated people, but it's causing milder cold-like symptoms," said Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London. "However, this is not a reason to be relaxed about Omicron. "Covid is unpredictable and, even if most only feel like they've got a cold, there are far more long-term risks than a cold carries." He continued: "If numbers skyrocket, it doesn't matter if the percentage of people being hospitalised or dying remain low – it's about volume, not percentages. "The higher rate of transmission even in the vaccinated could have devastating consequences, and hundreds of people continue to die every week as we head into our second Christmas of this pandemic." Related links:

• Allegra Stratton quits as pressure mounts on PM over leaked Christmas party video
• Footage shows No.10 staff joking about Christmas party last year
• Met police to review leaked video of Downing Street aides joking about Christmas party