Oxford University researchers have found that a delay in being given the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can actually lead to an enhanced immune response (see P3).
Previously it had been recommended that the second dose be given within three months. Now apparently it can be given after 10 months and the recipient will have stronger immunity. And a third dose of the vaccine will give an even better immune response.
Let's not forget that vaccination does not provide complete immunity. After two doses of AstraZeneca, you will have 90 percent immunity. You will still need to be careful.
Kenya has so far received less than two million doses of AstraZeneca and has concentrated on giving the second dose to the first million who were vaccinated, presumably on the assumption that they needed it within three months.
Now this new research indicates that Kenya can afford to vaccinate many more people with the first dose in the expectation that Covax will be delivering millions more doses of AstraZeneca before the end of 2021. This can be a Win-Win situation – vaccinate more people and get improved immunity.
Quote of the day: "People change and forget to tell each other."
Lillian Hellman
The American author died on June 30, 1984
