London: According to a study, delayed second and third doses of AstraZeneca vaccine enhance immunity against COVID-19.
The Oxford University study, which developed the jab with a British-Swedish firm, noted that an interval of up to 45 weeks between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine resulted in increased immune response rather than compromising immunity.
The study noted that giving the third dose of the jab more than six months after the second dose also resulted in a “significant increase” in antibodies and a “strong boost” to the subjects’ immune responses.
“This should come as reassuring news for countries with short supplies of the vaccine, which may be concerned about delays in providing second doses to their populations,” said Oxford Trial principal investigator Andrew Pollard.
“There is an excellent response to the second dose even after a delay of 10 months from the first,” he said.
The researchers said the results of delaying the third dose of AstraZeneca were positive, especially as nations with advanced vaccination programs consider whether third booster shots will be needed to increase immunity.
“It is not known whether booster jabs will be needed to increase immunity against weakened immunity or types of anxiety,” said study lead senior author Teresa Lambe.
Describing the research as the AstraZeneca jab “is well tolerated and significantly enhances the antibody response”, Lambe said the results were encouraging “if we find that a third dose is needed”.
The study indicated that the vaccine side effects were in general “well tolerated”, with “a lower incidence of side effects after the second and third doses than after the first dose”.
See below health equipment-
Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
.