Oxford University Study| Study by Oxford University revealed Delayed doses of AstraZeneca jab boost immu

New Delhi: An Oxford University study states that an interval of up to 45 weeks between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine increased the immune response rather than compromising immunity. 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. The results of delaying the third dose of AstraZeneca were positive, the researchers said, especially as nations with advanced vaccination programs wondered whether third booster shots would be needed to prolong immunity.

The AstraZeneca jab is “well tolerated”

“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. She explained that research has shown that the AstraZeneca jab “is well tolerated and significantly enhances 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 of COVID. The Oxford study indicated that the side effects from the vaccine in general are “well were tolerated”, with “a lower incidence of side effects after the second and third doses than after the first dose.”