Angela Merkel, 1st leader to get mixed COVID vaccine doses

German Chancellor Angela Merkel became the first leader to receive two different doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A few days ago, Merkel received Moderna as her second dose of vaccine. She got Oxford-AstraZeneca as her first dose of vaccine earlier in April, BBC reported quoting a government official.

Germany, along with other European countries halted the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine amid blood clots or thrombosis concerns. Later, the country restricted the use of the vaccine to over-60s but is now set to offer it to all adults.

Also Read: AstraZeneca vaccine linked to rare neurological disorder in India, UK

Presently, more than half of Germany’s population has received at least one dose of COVID vaccine.

As far as different COVID doses go, several health experts believe that mixing COVID vaccine doses can be a good idea, however, it is too early to determine the exact outcome.

According to Reuters reports, many countries are also looking at mixing COVID-19 vaccines as a way to combat the shortage in supply and improve immune response.

Meanwhile, Merkel, who will be stepping down as Germany’s leader after 16 years, will be succeeded by Armin Laschet as the conservative party’s next chancellor candidate for upcoming elections, reported AFP.