The war against the corona virus in India continues with the help of three vaccines. Covishield, Covaccine and Sputnik-V vaccines are being administered in India. However, due to delays in the supply of Kovid vaccines and safety concerns, some countries have started using a different vaccine in second doses. At the same time, clinical trials have been intensified in many countries to explore the possibility of using mixed doses. So let us know in which country mixed doses are being given.
Canada – People who have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca as the first dose, are recommended to receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as the second dose.
China-Exploring the possibilities for beneficiaries to receive different vaccines developed by CanSino Biologics and Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products.
Finland-Allowed a separate second dose vaccine to beneficiaries under 65 years of age who had received AstraZeneca vaccine in the first dose.
FranceHealth regulator recommends second dose of other m-RNA-based vaccine to beneficiaries under 55 years of age who received the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine.
Norway-Announced on 23 April that people who have received one dose of AstraZeneca vaccine will be offered another m-RNA based vaccine as a second dose
RussiaThe Health Ministry’s policy making committee called for additional data to be provided, then halted clinical trials of a combination of AstraZeneca and Sputnik-V vaccines.
South Korea-On May 20, AstraZeneca announced to explore the possibility of providing a vaccine developed by Pfizer or other companies as a second dose with the vaccine.
SwedenThe health regulator announced on April 20 that beneficiaries under the age of 65 who received the AstraZeneca vaccine could be given another vaccine as a second dose.
SpainA Carlos III Health Institute study found second-dose Pfizer vaccine safe for those receiving AstraZeneca vaccine, allowing a separate vaccine as a ‘booster dose’ for people under 60 years of age.
Britain– Allowing beneficiaries to use other vaccines as second doses in emergency situations like running out of vaccine stock, Novavax will conduct clinical trials in June to assess the possibility of using another company as a ‘booster dose’.
AmericaThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January approved separate doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at least 28 days apart.
Why the need for a separate vaccination1.Limited Production
Many companies are facing difficulties in ensuring their production and supply of vaccines in line with the demand, thereby affecting the vaccination campaign.
2.Safety Concerns
-AstraZeneca-developed vaccine has reported blood clots in the brain of some beneficiaries, conditional use in many countries due to safety concerns
3. New Forms of Virus
Given the new forms of the virus, the need was felt to give a more effective ‘booster dose’ to those participants who had received less effective vaccine in the first dose
What do the studies say?
make more antibodiesA study in Spain found that people who were given the Pfizer vaccine along with the AstraZeneca vaccine had higher antibody production 14 days after the second dose. In lab tests, these antibodies were found to be effective in neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
develop some side effects
A British study published in the ‘Lancet Journal’ found mild to moderate side effects in beneficiaries over the age of 50 who received a mixed dose of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. However, according to experts, these side effects go away in no time.
what is the situation in india
Two doses of the two vaccines being used in India – CoveShield and Covaccine, are required. Vaccination has been affected in many areas due to delay in vaccine supply. However, the Indian government has not yet considered a mixed vaccine. States have been instructed not to use different vaccines in the two doses.
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