Scientists from the Technische Universitt Mnchen, the Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen, the University Clinic Erlangen and the University Clinic Cologne examined the immune reaction as part of a retrospective study that appeared in the journal “The Lancet Infectious Diseases”.
For this purpose, according to the researchers, the blood of around 500 test persons was analyzed who had received a second vaccination with the mRNA vaccine from Biontech / Pfizer eight to twelve weeks after their first vaccination with the vaccine from AstraZeneca. “The neutralizing antibody response was much more pronounced in these test subjects than in people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine twice,” explained the Erlangen University Hospital on Friday. The immune response to the combination vaccination was at least as good as the antibody response after two vaccinations with Biontech / Pfizer.
Further studies needed
The researchers come to the conclusion that the combination vaccination can also be used in the event of individual intolerance or supply shortages. They hope that this cross-vaccination is “another building block to improve the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccination in general”. However, further studies to confirm the safety and clinical effectiveness of these and other combination vaccinations are necessary.
According to the recommendations of the National Vaccination Committee (NIG), cross-vaccination is already possible in Austria. “If serious side effects have occurred after a first dose that justify a vaccine change, if there are side effects that represent a medical contraindication for a second vaccination with the same vaccine or if this is urgently desirable from the point of view of the person to be vaccinated, then a vaccine should be changed are offered “, it says with reference to a lack of approval for such a heterologous vaccination scheme (off-label application). A heterologous vaccination schedule should also be considered if pregnancy occurs after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
