‘Mix and match’ COVID-19 vaccine strategy appears safe
The Health Institute Carlos III in Spain presented preliminary results of their ‘mix and match’ trial using the Oxford Astra Zeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines.
Levels of infection-blocking antibodies could forecast COVID-19 protection
Authors of a recent modelling-based study in Nature Medicine suggest the levels of neutralizing (infection-blocking) antibodies in blood are highly predictive of the strength of immune protection.
Will vaccines work against the troublesome new variant first identified in India? Scientists think so.
The Indian subcontinent is reeling from an unprecedented second wave of COVID-19 infections since March 2021. The country is facing an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths, and this is related to the emergence of a new variant, B.1.617, that was initially described in the state of Maharashtra.
Extended interval between first and second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine enhances antibody response in older people
Researchers from the University of Birmingham recruited a cohort of older adults to compare the immune response from the standard dosing schedule to that of an extended interval dosing schedule for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Mixing COVID-19 vaccines only triggers mild and short-lived adverse reactions: A preliminary safety report
It has been proposed that immunization with different vaccine products for the first and second dose may increase the intensity and breadth of immune responses, while simplifying vaccine availability and delivery logistics.
The future of vaccines: nanoparticle vaccines could protect against present and future coronaviruses
Current mRNA vaccines may be a potent weapon against the most troublesome immune-evading SARS-CoV-2 variants.
How effective is the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection?
As vaccines roll out, studies are underway to continue to monitor their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and particularly, against asymptomatic infections.
Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you lack the cells that make antibodies?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that is often treated with drugs that deplete B cells and therefore interfere in the process of antibody production.
Added benefit: A single dose of COVID-19 vaccine can also protect your loved ones at home
Researchers from Public Health England followed COVID-19 vaccine recipients nationwide to measure their risk of infection and transmission.
Smiling while still wearing a mask and how to beat the pandemic blues
The COVID-19 pandemic is no joke. We get that. But at the same time, in highly stressful times, kindness, humour and courtesy can help us pull through.