Pfizer's push for health regulators to authorize a third dose of its COVID-19 shot is not yet backed by evidence, despite the fast-spreading delta variant, vaccine experts said. Los Angeles County is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases as the delta variant spreads. "It's disappointing that with such a complicated decision they took such a unilateral approach," said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, who is overseeing U.S.-government-backed COVID-19 vaccine trials. Delta variant on the riseThe rise of the delta variant, first detected in India and now the dominant form of new coronavirus infections in many countries, has raised concerns over whether currently available vaccines offer enough protection. Several experts say a booster shot would be warranted if there is a substantial increase in hospitalizations or deaths among vaccinated people.

Source: CBC News July 12, 2021 13:11 UTC