If you are wondering what will happen if you get the first and second dose of different Covid vaccine brands, a recent study answered. According to a study conducted in the UK, mixing two different vaccines helps boost immunity against the coronavirus. In this study, the researchers looked at the efficacy of the two doses of Pfizer vaccine compared two a dose of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine each. As a result, the researchers found that both combinations worked well to improve immunity against the virus.
The experts suggest that the findings of this study can help increase the vaccine rollout. For instance, if there is a shortage of a particular Covid vaccine brand, they can supplement it with another brand. These results also show that those who received the complete dosage of the AstraZeneca vaccine can go for a booster of another brand if recommended.
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According to the deputy chief medical officer of the UK, Prof. Jonathan Van-Tam, currently, there is no need to change the schedules in the UK. However, it may change in the future in case there is a shortage of vaccines in the country.
Even though there is no need for these changes at the moment, they may prove effective in the future. Prof. Van-Tam said that mixing the doses of different vaccine brands can offer more flexibility for the boosters. Also, these findings are beneficial for those countries that face a shortage of supply of coronavirus vaccines.
As of now, some of the countries are already mixing the first and second doses of different vaccine brands. For instance, in Germany and Spain, the authorities provide Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine in the first dose.
The body needs two doses of the vaccine to gain maximum immunity against the coronavirus. This recent study administered both doses in 850 participants, all aged 50 years or above. The findings of this study show that the use of the Pfizer vaccine as a second dose boosts more immunity as compared to the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as the second dose. Moreover, mixing these two Covid vaccine brands provided more immunity than two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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Some experts also suggest giving a third booster dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in winter. This dose can help boost immunity six months after the second dose. Meanwhile, health officials say that it is too early to determine if there is a need for a third booster in winter.
The experts are not yet sure how much immunity derails over time. According to Paul Hunter, a professor from the University of East Anglia, the main question at the moment is if we need a third booster of the vaccine. He mentioned the possibility of a third dose for those who have a high risk of contracting the coronavirus. These people could be the elderly or clinically compromised individuals. All in all, there is no direction given yet regarding the third booster of the coronavirus vaccine.
