What happened : Using different brands of vaccines for first and second doses appears to give better efficacy against the Covid virus, a study by Oxford University revealed. Details : A study by Oxford University has revealed the potential benefits of pairing doses from two different COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Researchers tested the efficacy of the mixed vaccine on 850 volunteers aged 50 and above. The result showed improvement in immunity after the individuals were given alternating shots of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. The mix of vaccines induced more antibodies against the virus when administered at the gap of four weeks. Interestingly, the immune responses were different in different order of immunization. The team noted better immune response when the prime shot was of AstraZeneca, followed by a second dose of Pfizer vaccine, rather than vice versa. However, in both case higher antibodies were produced than the existing approach of taking shots of the same vaccination. But it’s also worth noting that mixing vaccines does produce more short-term side effects such as chills, headaches and muscle pain. Aftermath: The team further aims to analyze the data from the 12-week dose interval. The results could induce more flexibility to the roll-out strategy of vaccines based on their production and availability As per reports, countries like Spain and Germany have started offering second doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to young people after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Click here to see more from Propergaanda.
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