First of all, for protection from the delta variant (B.1.617.2) of the coronavirus found in India, it is necessary to administer both doses of the vaccine at short intervals.
This has been revealed in a study published in the famous medical journal The Lancet.
Studies have shown that fewer antibodies against the delta variant are produced in people who have taken a single dose. Their numbers are significantly reduced as the interval between doses increases.
Pfizer vaccine less effective against newer variants – study
The study has revealed that Pfizer’s vaccine is less effective against the delta variant of Corona than the initial variant.
A single dose of Pfizer against the initial variants produced sufficient antibodies in 79 per cent of people, but this is not happening in the case of the new variants.
A single dose of Pfizer vaccine produces enough antibodies against the alpha variant in 50 per cent of people and 32 per cent against the delta variant.
“Soon to be given the second dose of vaccine.”
Researchers say that the protection provided by the vaccine should be at least such that as many people as possible can be saved from falling ill and being hospitalised. Infectious diseases specialist Emma Wall said the study shows that a second dose of the vaccine should be given as soon as possible to prevent people from falling ill. A third dose of the vaccine should be given to those who have weakened immunity against the new variants.
Britain looking to narrow the gap
The UK is looking to shorten the interval between the two doses amid reports that a single dose of the vaccine does not produce enough antibodies against the new variant. Britain’s health organisation Public Health England said that the delta variant is now spreading prominently here, and preliminary evidence suggests that it may lead to an increase in the number of corona-infected patients hospitalised.
The gap between the two doses has increased in India
.The study, published in The Lancet, calls for shortening the time between the two doses of the vaccine. At the same time, the Indian government last month increased the interval between doses of Covishield. Initially, Covishield doses were being given at an interval of 28 days, which was later expanded to six to eight weeks, and last month, this interval was further increased to 12-16 weeks.