A UK study has found that mixing two covid vaccines for first and second doses from different brands produces more antibodies than taking two same jabs. During the Com-Cov trial, experts checked upon the efficacy of either two doses of Pfizer, two doses of AstraZeneca, and one dose of one vaccine followed by the other.
Experts say it could open new flexible options for vaccination for the future. For example, as per the trial results, people who received two doses of Astrazenecea could produce more antibodies if given a booster jab from another brand.
No Plans to Change the Current Vaccination Pattern
Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, the UK’s deputy chief medical officer, said there is no need to change the current successful vaccination pattern in the UK. However, he opened a window for future experiments with the new suggestion of vaccination administration.
He said the vaccines are saving people’s lives and there is an ample supply of vaccines in the country. Moreover, he said countries who are yet to conduct their vaccination drive can think of implementing the new vaccine combination.
Germany and Spain are already following the mixed doses formula. In these countries, the administration of Pfizer or Moderna is going on as a second dose to younger people already administered with a first dose as the Astrazeneca vaccine. It is due to the concerns of rare but serious blood clots.
In the Com-Cov study, administration of two doses in 850 volunteers with age over 50 took place. Again, AZ, followed by Pfizer, produced higher antibodies and T cells than AZ after Pfizer.
Two mixed doses produced higher antibodies than two doses of AZ. The two doses of Pfizer produced the maximum antibodies. Administration of AZ followed by Pfizer saw the highest increase in T cells.
UK’s Current Policy is Very Effective
Prof. Mathew Snape, a lead investigator from the University of Oxford, has said that the UK’s current vaccination policy is very effective. And it has prevented hospitalizations and serious covid-19 infections. Besides, it is also very effective in preventing the Delta variant in patients.
He added both ways prevent the Covid-19 infections and produce a higher number of antibodies in people. Currently, the results of mixed doses given after four weeks are available. However, the result of administering two doses after 12 weeks will come next month.
A new pre-print study says the third dose of Astrazeneca after six months also boosts the immune system. However, experts say there is no clarity on whether people need the third dose or not.
