Oxford vaccine: Rest of world should follow UK lead in leaving 12 week gap between doses, says WHO

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: i (online Independent, UK)

The rest of the world should follow the UK’s lead and allow up to 12 weeks between doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said in a vindication of the Government’s last-minute change of strategy to its rollout programme.

Experts recommended that doses of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine should be given between eight and 12 weeks apart as the longer interval provides even greater protection compared to being given at three weeks apart.

A WHO interim assessment found: ” Vaccine efficacy tended to be higher when the interval between doses was longer. This, together with the finding of higher antibody levels with increasing interdose interval, supports the conclusion that longer dose intervals within the 4–12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.”

Scientists advising the WHO also recommended the use of the Oxford vaccine in all adults – even in countries tackling new variants of the coronavirus. The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation has issued interim recommendations on the vaccine, saying that the jab could be given to people aged 18 and above “without an upper age limit”.

Read more: https://inews.co.uk/news/health/oxford-vaccine-rest-world-should-follow-uk-lead-in-leaving-12-week-gap-between-doses-says-who-866743

[redstateblues]

1. Isn't that great now that I'm set to get my second shot in two weeks!!

Geez

[LisaL]

2. Oxford (Astra Zeneca) isn't approved in the US.

So the shot you are getting is either Moderna or Pfizer. Totally different vaccine design.

[TexasBushwhacker]

3. It's only 10% effective against the South African variant

but it only requires regular refrigeration, so it's far easier to produce, transport and store. It still requires 2 shots, whereas the Johnson and Johnson vaccine only requires one. Since the J&J and the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccines do not use the mRNA technology that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, there's really no reason not to get the first vaccine that becomes available. You could still get the mRNA vaccines later.

[CountAllVotes]

4. New variant, same symptoms

Dr. Campbell has had a lot to say abt. all of this the past few weeks.

[pnwmom]

5. Just for this particular vaccine. n/t