following massive surge in China and other countries with alarming
situation, a study by AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad here has revealed
that Corbevax booster in individuals vaccinated with Covishield gives
maximum protection against Omicron variants.The scientific study has proved the immunity benefits of indigenous
heterologous vaccine booster, Corbevax in combating Omicron variants.
“Heterologous booster dose with Corbevax following primary vaccination
with Covishield enhances protection against SARS-CoV-2” has been
published in the high-impact factor journal “Vaccines”.
revealing the findings of the study, AIG Hospitals Chairman Dr D
Nageshwar Reddy told media on Friday that the study was done on 250
healthcare workers who had received 2 doses of Covishield as the
primary vaccine regimen not more than 6 months ago. None of the
participants had any adverse events following the administration of
Corbevax booster dose.
” Our previous studies that mixed vaccines produce better immune
response; therefore, when the government approved Corbevax to be given
as a heterologous booster to individuals already vaccinated with
Covishield, our aim was to determine how a different vaccine platform
(protein-based) will impact the immune response especially in context
of the Omicron variant,” he briefed.
Corbevax , an indigenously developed peptide-based vaccine which is
different from the viral vector (Covishield) or the inactivated
vaccine (Covaxin). The key difference is that Corbevax uses only a
protein subunit of the virus replicated inside a yeast cell while the
others are whole virus vaccines. The vaccine considerably reduces the
risks of allergic and autoimmune responses making them safe for
widespread usage.
Dr Reddy further stated the results further cemented their belief that
mixed vaccines are absolutely safe.
“The second aspect of the study was to measure the antibody
response as well as the T-cell (memory cell) response at 30 days and
then at 90 days to correctly estimate the overall protection against
the circulating Omicron variant.
When estimating the effectiveness of a vaccine, both the antibody
response and T-cell (Memory cell) response are essential.
” we compared the immune responses among those who were given the
same vaccine, i.e., Covishield (homologous group) as a booster and
those who were given Corbevax as a booster . The S1/S2-spike protein
IgG antibody levels and T/B Cell response of these groups were
compared at 30 days and at 90 days. The homologous and heterologous
groups showed increased S1/S2-spike protein IgG antibody level at 30
days, the heterologous group (Corbevax as a booster) showed higher
levels of antibodies at both 30 days and 90 days,” Dr Reddy
confidently said.
