The question of whether a person can be vaccinated against Covid-19 using different vaccines arises. The University of Oxford launches the first test to try to provide some answers.
Four vaccine combinations tested
The study ” Com-Cov Will be led by the National Immunization Scheduling Assessment Consortium (NISEC) in England. The aim is to explore the ” potential for flexibility in administration »Of the various vaccines authorized in England, and now in France. To conduct this study, researchers will recruit more than 800 participants aged 50 and over, from eight sites supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). They will test four different vaccination combinations:
- a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine followed by a booster with the Pfizer vaccine;
- a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine followed by a booster with another dose of the same vaccine;
- a first dose of Pfizer vaccine followed by a booster with Swedish-British vaccine;
- a first dose of Pfizer vaccine followed by a booster with another dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Scientists will evaluate two ” dosing regimens “, With a second injection at an interval of four weeks (interim data), then at an interval of twelve weeks, to determine which provides the most effectiveness against Covid-19. They will also analyze the impact of these regimens and the possible side effects of each vaccine combination. The duration of the trial will be 13 months.
The challenges of such potential
The objective of this study is to explore all the possibilities to bring flexibility to the vaccination schedule, but also to evaluate the protection against emerging strains of the virus. Depending on the results, taking advantage of the alternating vaccine could also help ensure access to vaccination for more people, ” given the inevitable challenges of vaccinating large numbers of the population against COVID-19 and potential global supply constraints », As recalled by the principal responsible for the study, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam. According to him, it is also possible that ” the immune response can be enhanced, resulting in even higher antibody levels that last longer “. Volunteers can inquire on the dedicated site to participate in the clinical trial.
