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British health authorities will now allow people to mix COVID-19 vaccines as the pandemic rages on – but experts warn it could be risky.
The change in vaccine advice, which comes as the country grapples with a new, highly contagious mutation in the virus, marks a surprising departure from previous guidelines – and a drastically different approach to vaccine deployment in the United States, reported the New York Times.
UK protocol now states that a person can receive their follow-up COVID-19 injection with a different vaccine candidate at their first dose, if needed.
Britain has approved two vaccines against the deadly virus, developed by AstraZeneca and Pfizer.
“For people who have started the schedule and who come for vaccination at a site where the same vaccine is not available, or if the first product received is unknown, it is reasonable to offer a dose of the product available locally. to complete the schedule, »updated guidance statements.
However, the protocol reiterates that it is best to receive a second dose of the same vaccination, noting that a different inoculation should only be used if the patient is at “immediate high risk” or is considered “unlikely to occur. present again ”.
“Under these circumstances, since both vaccines are based on the spike protein, it is likely that the second dose will help stimulate the response to the first dose,” he explained.
But the new opinion has raised eyebrows again in the scientific community.
“There is no data on this,” Cornell University vaccine expert John Moore told The Times, adding that British officials “appear to have given up on science altogether and are just trying to guess their issue. “
The update also contrasts with guidelines set by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which explicitly state that vaccines “are not interchangeable.”
“Either of the currently authorized COVID-19 mRNA vaccines can be used when indicated,” the CDC wrote, noting that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices “does not indicate a preference product. “
“However, these COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or with other COVID-19 vaccine products,” the agency said. “The safety and efficacy of a series of combination products have not been evaluated.”
The CDC goes on to say that if doses of different vaccines are given “inadvertently,” no additional dose of either vaccine should be given.
Contacted by The Post, the CDC declined to comment on the UK’s updated guidance and whether it would reassess its own guidance in light of the new advice.
The United States has signed two vaccines against the coronavirus, developed by Pfizer and Moderna.
The UK, which has passed 2.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, battles an increase in infections as a more contagious variant sweeps the country – prompting at least 17 countries to announce UK travel bans .
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