A study by Oxford University, which developed the jab with a British-Swedish firm, found a delay in the second and third doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 boosted immunity.
The study noted that an interval of up to 45 weeks between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine led to an improved immune response rather than a compromised immune response.
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 response, the pre-print study said, meaning that it has yet to be peer-reviewed.
“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 principal investigator of the Oxford trial, Andrew Pollard.
“There is an excellent response to the second dose even after a delay of 10 months from the first.”
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 prolong 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.
He explained that research has shown that 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 development of the jab, which is being administered in 160 countries, has been hailed as a milestone in efforts against the pandemic due to its relatively low cost and ease of transport.
However, confidence in the jab, as with the vaccine developed by US firm Johnson & Johnson, has been hampered by concerns over its link to very rare but serious blood clots in some cases.
As a result many countries have suspended the use of the vaccine or restricted its use by youth groups who are at low risk from COVID.
The Oxford study indicated that side effects from the vaccine in general were “well tolerated”, with “a lower incidence of side effects after the second and third doses than after the first dose”.
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