Bacolod City-Doctor Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical and data analysis of the Emergency Operations Center–Task Force(EOC-TF) said a preliminary data from an ongoing safety and immunogenicity trial indicated that the AstraZeneca vaccine increases antibody response against the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Omicron variant when given as a booster.
He added the increased response was observed in individuals who were vaccinated with AstraZeneca, now called Vaxzevria.
Citing the same trials made by Oxford Vaccine Group chief investigator and director Andrew Pollard, Sorongon explained the third shot of Vaxzevria after two initial doses of the same vaccine, or inactivated vaccines, “strongly boosts immunity against COVID-19.”
The Astra Zeneca also increases the immune response to the Beta, Delta, Alpha, and Gamma variants, preliminary results of the study also showed Sorongon said.
The EOC-TF urged residents to get their booster shots, adding that the city has enough supply of AstraZeneca to be administered as booster shots.
“Given the rise of COVID-19 cases after the holidays, residents should avail [themselves] of the booster shots already; this is for increased protection,” EOC-TF executive director Em Ang said.
Individuals may get their booster shots three months after their last dose, both for single- and double-dose vaccines.
There will be a drive-thru for those who are availing their booster shots at Ayala Malls Capitol Central South Parking area./PN
