European drug regulator backs mixing COVID-19 vaccines

the ecu Union drug regulator has given its backing to mixing different types of vaccines in preliminary vaccination and booster campaigns to combat the coronavirus

ByThe associated Press

December 7, 2021, 1:32 PM

• 2 min study

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- the european Union drug regulator gave its backing Tuesday to mixing different types of vaccines in preliminary vaccination and booster campaigns to fight the coronavirus.

the european medicines agency said in an announcement that the usage of various kinds of vaccines collectively, referred to as heterologous vaccination, can provide coverage towards COVID-19.

The announcement comes as a whole lot of Europe is dealing with rising infection and hospital charges and issues in regards to the new omicron variant.

The EMA, along with the eu middle for ailment Prevention and control, referred to that a mixture-and-suit method could supply international locations extra alternate options in vaccination campaigns as a whole lot of the continent seeks to include the latest surge within the pandemic.

"The evidence attainable to date with several types of authorized vaccines indicates that a heterologous booster appears as good as or greater in terms of immune responses than a homologous booster," the agencies mentioned in a statement.

"whereas research is ongoing to provide extra proof on lengthy-time period defense, period of immunity and effectiveness, using heterologous schedules might also present flexibility in terms of vaccination alternate options, chiefly to cut back the influence on the vaccine rollout may still a vaccine no longer be available for any reason," they introduced.

The groups checked out statistics for mRNA vaccines like the Pfizer shot and so-referred to as viral vector vaccines such because the one made by means of Johnson & Johnson. both styles of vaccines use different technologies to spur the physique to combat the coronavirus.

U.S. and U.ok. authorities have already given the eco-friendly mild to mixing and matching vaccines in booster campaigns.

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observe all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.