Pfizer-BioNTech assemble with the Avengers in COVID booster drive

Words by GOLD newsdesk

Pfizer and BioNTech have collaborated with Marvel to encourage COVID-19 booster vaccinations in the US, where rates of hesitancy remain relatively high.

The trio has published a new custom comic book featuring the Avengers who fight to protect their community, featuring the message that people can help protect themselves by staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Entitled Everyday Heroes, the 16-page comic tells the story of a family patiently awaiting their vaccinations in a clinic while the Avengers fight their fantastical foe Ultron – representing COVID-19 – outside. It focuses on the research, innovation and adaptation involved in working out how to fight new enemies and those coming back with new powers – or variants. The comic ends with a patient commenting that “the Avengers are doing their part to help keep us safe. Now it’s time for us to do ours – by staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations”.

In a comment posted on LinkedIn to promote the partnership and comic, Pfizer said: "We encourage people to come together to help protect themselves by staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.”

This publication comes after Pfizer and BioNTech submitted an application to the FDA on 26 September 2022 for an emergency use authorization for a booster dose of its Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine for children aged five to 11.

The following day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a total of 7.6 million Americans had received the booster vaccine during the first four weeks the booster was available – only 3.5% of the 215.5 million people aged 12 and over who are eligible.