Topic: Covishield

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Preliminary data released by AstraZeneca shows Vaxzevaria vaccine, administered in India as Covishield, increased immune response to Beta, Delta, Alpha, Gamma variants after third dose.

Trial on third Covaxin shot ongoing, results to be out soon, says Bharat Biotech. ICMR officials say 9-month interval based on studies that show antibodies last 6-13 months.

Only Covaxin will be used for vaccinating an estimated 7.4 crore 15-18-year-olds, so finding a slot for the first shot of the indigenous vaccine could get more difficult.

Antibody levels against Omicron were higher in people who had taken a 3rd Covishield dose than in people who’d had other Covid variants, found a preprint study by Oxford researchers.

The findings drawn from datasets in Brazil and Scotland suggest that booster programmes are needed in those vaccinated with AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, known as Covishield in India.The findings drawn from datasets in Brazil and Scotland suggest that booster programmes are needed in those vaccinated with AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, known as Covishield in India.

No decision has been taken yet on whether booster shots will be given, even as healthcare workers who got fully vaccinated in February near 10 months of vaccination.

The study, however, says vaccines will continue to provide sufficient protection against the severity of the disease and fatality, based on breakthrough infections data they analysed.

With Omicron on the prowl and decision pending on vaccinating children, government may wait before using the one crore doses of ZyCoV-D, the only vaccine licensed for use in minors

Covishield is administered in India at an interval of 12-16 weeks, and Covaxin at 4-6 weeks. Study, yet to be peer-reviewed, also says vaccines are effective against Delta and other variants.