AstraZeneca COVID-19 boosters provide more antibodies against omicron

AstraZeneca shared preliminary trial data on Vaxzevria, its COVID-19 shot, showing greater antibody response against the omicron variant, as well as Beta, Delta, Alpha, and Gamma when administered as a booster shot. 

The drugmaker stated that this improved response was seen in people being given the mRNA vaccine or Vaxzevria, and added that the data would be shared with regulators worldwide, in light of the pressing global need for boosters. 

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This data is the first released by the company pertaining to its trials of the vaccine boosters. Further, it shows growing data supporting taking a third dose, irrespective of the vaccination schedule. 

Andrew Pollard, the Oxford Vaccine Group chief said, “These important studies show that a third dose of Vaxzevria after two initial doses of the same vaccine, or after mRNA or inactivated vaccines, strongly boosts immunity against COVID-19”. 

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Besides, a major British trial has shown that the AstraZeneca shot increased antibodies when a booster is given along with its own shot or the mRNA technology using Pfizer. Nonetheless, the study came to the conclusion that mRNA vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer give the most boost to antibodies when administered as a booster. 

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Matthew Snape, the Oxford professor behind the trial, stated, “We found a really good immune response across the board…, in fact, higher than the threshold set by Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine two doses”.

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This comes as a ray of hope for several middle-income families, who might need to take a vaccine cocktail if the supply chain becomes unstable. Snape continued, saying, “We’re showing…you don’t have to stick rigidly to receiving the same vaccine for a second dose…and that if the programme will be delivered more quickly by using multiple vaccines, then it is okay to do so”.

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Ultimately, the study results also inform other ways to immunize against different diseases.