EU Regulators give Approval to Mix Vaccines

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – European Union regulators endorsed the mixing two different Covid shots for initial vaccine schedules and boosters

Concept –

European Union regulators endorsed the mixing two different Covid shots for initial vaccine schedules and boosters, saying hybrid approaches can increase governments’ flexibility in responding to the new omicron variant.
Combining viral vector vaccines such as AstraZeneca with mRNA jabs such as Pfizer generates a good level of antibodies against Covid and a higher T-cell response, another part of a person’s immune defense, compared to giving doses of the same shot, according to data analysed by the European Medicines Agency and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
Mix-and-match shot combinations are already used in a number of countries, including in the UK’s booster program, and can provide countries with flexibility when managing vaccine stockpiles and shortages as the new variant spreads.