A study led by Oxford University has found that mixing and matching the COVID-19 vaccines made by AstraZeneca and Pfizer generated a robust immune response against the virus.
Researchers conducting the study discovered that alternating doses of the two vaccines generated strong immunity.
However, the study found that the immune responses differed according to order of immunization, with the AstraZeneca shot followed by the Pfizer vaccine generating the better immune response out of the two mixed schedules.
In their findings, published Monday, the researchers said doses of the vaccines were given four weeks apart with data for a 12-week dose interval due soon.
The findings could add much-needed flexibility to vaccination programmes around the world.
Currently, the two doses required by the AstraZeneca vaccine are recommended to be given eight to 12 weeks apart.
Previous clinical trials found the longer gap between doses increased the AstraZeneca vaccine's efficacy to 82.4%, against symptomatic COVID-19 infection.
The researchers noted that this means all possible vaccination schedules involving the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines could potentially be used against COVID-19.
In May, researchers reported preliminary data revealing more frequent mild to moderate reactions in mixed schedules compared with standard schedules.
However, these were short-lived in duration.
Jamaica has had to curtail its vaccination programme with appointments for second doses postponed as vaccine supplies run low and shipments are delayed.
More than 30,000 people are awaiting their second shot after receiving the first in April.
Jamaica received 3,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday.
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