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Will Pfizer ETFs Soar on FDA's COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Approval?

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Investors have one more reason to cheer the COVID-19 vaccine update as the FDA has approved emergency use of a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc. (PFE - Free Report) and BioNTech SE (BNTX - Free Report) COVID-19 vaccine. The booster shot has been authorized for the population aged 65 years and above. The booster dose has also been approved to administer to individuals between 18 and 64 years of age and at high risk of severe COVID-19.

The FDA has also authorized the booster shot for people in the 18-64 years of age group whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 expose them to the high risk of severe complications of COVID-19.

According to the company, the booster shot can be provided at least six months post-completion of the primary series. Notably, the booster vaccine is the same formulation, composition and dosage power as the doses in the primary series.

Notably, the approval was awarded on careful evaluation of the scientific evidence and clinical program data shared by the companies and reviewed by the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). A booster shot of the vaccine produced noticeably higher neutralizing antibody titers against the initial SARS-CoV-2 virus (wild type), along with the Beta and Delta variants, in comparison to the levels witnessed after the two-dose primary series.

Earlier, the FDA had given a nod to the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna (MRNA - Free Report) for people with weak immune systems. Patients suffering cancer, HIV or those with organ transplants are mostly found to be immunocompromised individuals. Data suggests that these people don’t produce an adequate immune response despite being fully-vaccinated.

It is worth noting here that the FDA had earlier granted the first full U.S. approval to Pfizer/BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine. According to the FDA, the approval has been provided after evaluating an enormous vaccine data covering about 40,000 trial participants and reflecting 91% efficiency in preventing COVID-19 (per a CNBC article).

ETFs to Shine Bright

The full FDA approval has been increasing the confidence for imposing vaccine mandates. Also, the unvaccinated population is now more likely to opt for vaccinations. Now, the nod for booster shots can likely enhance the confidence toward jabs resulting in more people opting for the vaccination. This update is definitely going to accelerate demand for coronavirus vaccines and boost the company’s financials.

Thus, let’s take a look at ETFs with high exposure to Pfizer that can gain from the recent development:

iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE - Free Report)

The fund provides exposure to U.S. companies that manufacture prescription or over-the-counter drugs or vaccines. It holds 47 stocks in its basket, with Pfizer making up for a 19.4% share. The product has AUM of about $382.3 million. The fund charges 42 basis points (bps) in fees and expenses (read: Healthcare ETFs to Gain on $65-Billion Pandemic Protection Plan).

First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL - Free Report)

This ETF replicates as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield of the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index and holds 100 stocks in its basket. Pfizer holds 5.7% weight in the fund. The product has amassed $1.65 billion in its asset base. Expense ratio is 0.45%.

iShares Evolved U.S. Innovative Healthcare ETF

This fund employs data science techniques to identify companies with exposure to the innovative healthcare sector and holds 249 stocks in its basket, with Pfizer making up for a 6.4% share. The product has AUM of about $41.7 million. The fund charges 18 bps in fees and expenses (read: Pharma & Healthcare ETFs at a One-Year High: Here's Why).

Invesco Dynamic Pharmaceuticals ETF (PJP - Free Report)

This fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield, before fees and expenses, of the Dynamic Pharmaceutical Intellidex Index and holds 23 stocks in its basket, with Pfizer making up for a 5.7% share. The product has AUM of about $438.4 million. The fund charges 56 bps in fees and expenses.

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