The World Health Organization (WHO) issued provisional recommendations on Thursday to mix and match COVID-19 vaccines from different manufacturers, both for the second dose and for the booster doses.
Depending on availability, mRNA vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc, can be used as subsequent doses after the initial doses of the AstraZeneca vectorized vaccine and vice versa, the WHO said.
AstraZeneca and any of the mRNA vaccines can also be used after the initial doses of the inactivated Sinopharm vaccine, the WHO said.
Viral vector vaccines contain instructions for making coronavirus antigens, while mRNA vaccines use a code for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, to elicit an immune response in recipients.
Inactivated vaccines take the SARS-CoV-2 virus and inactivate or kill it using chemicals, heat, or radiation.
The guidance has been developed based on advice from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Vaccines earlier this month.
However, the WHO said mixing and matching should take into account supply projections, accessibility, and benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccines used.
The recommendations will be reviewed as more data becomes available, the world health body said.
.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
