Marian Regional Medical Center: Doctors share new information on Pfizer vaccine

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out, health experts at Marian Regional Medical Center say there’s new information about the Pfizer vaccine.

"Research was conducted over the last couple of months with the Pfizer vaccine regarding COVID-19. What this new research is indicating is that some people may have very robust immunity after a single dose of an mRNA vaccine,'" says Dr. Scott Robertson at Marian Regional Medical Center.

Right now, experts are mainly researching the Pfizer vaccine.

"But it stands to reason that it could also be applicable to the Maderna vaccine as well, since they have very similar mechanisms of action," says Robertson.

Marian doctors believe this could change recommendations in terms of the number of doses we receive or the interval between doses.

"Part of the goal is to try to get as many people vaccinated as possible. That’s how we’re going to achieve herd immunity in the United States," says Robertson.

As this research out of the UK continues, Marian doctors as well as the Santa Barbara County Public Health are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated when eligible.

"That is fantastic news. I think it’s what we’ve all been hoping for. I’m excited to be able to see my family members that I haven’t seen in over a year. I think everybody should take it," says resident Hilary Halme of Santa Maria.

Doctors say if more people can get just a single dose of the vaccine and still be well protected, the pandemic could end much sooner.