According to data from an Oxford University lab research published recently claimed effectiveness of a three-dose course of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine against the highly infectious Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
The study's findings, which have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, are similar to those from competitors Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, who have discovered that the third dose of their shots works against Omicron as well.
The neutralizing levels against Omicron after a three-dose course of AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, were generally similar to those against the virus's Delta version after two doses, according to the study.
The Oxford University researchers who conducted the study were independent of those who worked on the vaccination with AstraZeneca, according to the London-listed business.
"As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalizations," Mene Pangalos, the head of AstraZeneca's biopharmaceuticals R&D said, referring to a critical component of the immune system that responds to fight infection.
According to the Anglo-Swedish company, antibody levels against Omicron following the booster dose were higher than antibodies in persons who had been infected with Covid-19 and recovered spontaneously.
Despite the positive early results, AstraZeneca announced on Tuesday that it was collaborating with Oxford University to develop a vaccine specifically for Omicron, following similar efforts by other vaccine producers.
Blood samples were taken from people who had been infected with Covid-19, those who had been vaccinated with two doses and a booster, and those who had previously been infected with other varieties of concern, according to the Oxford study. It contained samples from 41 persons who received three Vaxzevria dosages.
Scientists and governments are trying to develop anti-Omicron vaccines and cures as the variation threatens to become dominant internationally, prompting new restrictions ahead of the holidays to keep infections under control.
Britain supported boosters earlier this month following the finding that a third dosage considerably restored immunity against Omicron-related mild illness, partially offsetting an otherwise dramatic reduction in vaccine effectiveness.
(Source:www.thequint.com)
The study's findings, which have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, are similar to those from competitors Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, who have discovered that the third dose of their shots works against Omicron as well.
The neutralizing levels against Omicron after a three-dose course of AstraZeneca's vaccine, Vaxzevria, were generally similar to those against the virus's Delta version after two doses, according to the study.
The Oxford University researchers who conducted the study were independent of those who worked on the vaccination with AstraZeneca, according to the London-listed business.
"As we better understand Omicron, we believe we will find that T-cell response provides durable protection against severe disease and hospitalizations," Mene Pangalos, the head of AstraZeneca's biopharmaceuticals R&D said, referring to a critical component of the immune system that responds to fight infection.
According to the Anglo-Swedish company, antibody levels against Omicron following the booster dose were higher than antibodies in persons who had been infected with Covid-19 and recovered spontaneously.
Despite the positive early results, AstraZeneca announced on Tuesday that it was collaborating with Oxford University to develop a vaccine specifically for Omicron, following similar efforts by other vaccine producers.
Blood samples were taken from people who had been infected with Covid-19, those who had been vaccinated with two doses and a booster, and those who had previously been infected with other varieties of concern, according to the Oxford study. It contained samples from 41 persons who received three Vaxzevria dosages.
Scientists and governments are trying to develop anti-Omicron vaccines and cures as the variation threatens to become dominant internationally, prompting new restrictions ahead of the holidays to keep infections under control.
Britain supported boosters earlier this month following the finding that a third dosage considerably restored immunity against Omicron-related mild illness, partially offsetting an otherwise dramatic reduction in vaccine effectiveness.
(Source:www.thequint.com)
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