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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Sinovac booster jab cannot provide adequate antibodies against Omicron
The latest study by two Hong Kong universities found that a booster jab of the Sinovac vaccine does not provide an adequate level of antibodies against the Omicron variant.
A BioNTech booster jab, however, can trigger sufficient antibodies against the variant.
The study was led by Malik Peiris, chair professor of virology at the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong; and David Hui Shu-cheong, chairman of Department Medicine and Therapeutics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The findings show that two doses of either BioNTech or Sinovac vaccines provide very poor antibodies responses against the Omicron variant -- meaning it is necessary for people to get a third jab for enough protection.
A booster jab of the BioNTech vaccine given to those who received two doses of either BioNTech or Sinovac vaccine provides sufficient antibodies against the variant.
Yet the booster jab of the Sinovac vaccine fails to provide adequate antibodies level to those who received two doses of Sinovac vaccine against the Omicron variant, they found.
On another note, government-appointed vaccine experts on Thursday suggested citizens who will study or work in high-risk areas receive the third dose of the Covid vaccine three to six months after getting their second dose.
They also suggested citizens aged 18 or above receive the third dose of the vaccine no matter which one they opt for. They should get the booster jab at least six months after receiving the second dose. Pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding should get the jab as well.
On the other hand, teenagers aged 12 to 17 are recommended to receive the second dose of the BioNTech vaccine 12 weeks after getting their first dose.
In late September, the experts recommended teenagers only receive one dose of the BioNTech vaccine. Back then, the experts explained that most heart conditions like myocarditis or pericarditis took place after receiving the second dose of the vaccine.
On Thursday, the experts cited studies and said lengthening the time between getting the second and third dose can reduce the risk of developing such conditions. The experts added teenagers can also have the booster jab administered on their thighs.
The study was led by Malik Peiris, chair professor of virology at the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong; and David Hui Shu-cheong, chairman of Department Medicine and Therapeutics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The findings show that two doses of either BioNTech or Sinovac vaccines provide very poor antibodies responses against the Omicron variant -- meaning it is necessary for people to get a third jab for enough protection.
A booster jab of the BioNTech vaccine given to those who received two doses of either BioNTech or Sinovac vaccine provides sufficient antibodies against the variant.
Yet the booster jab of the Sinovac vaccine fails to provide adequate antibodies level to those who received two doses of Sinovac vaccine against the Omicron variant, they found.
On another note, government-appointed vaccine experts on Thursday suggested citizens who will study or work in high-risk areas receive the third dose of the Covid vaccine three to six months after getting their second dose.
They also suggested citizens aged 18 or above receive the third dose of the vaccine no matter which one they opt for. They should get the booster jab at least six months after receiving the second dose. Pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding should get the jab as well.
On the other hand, teenagers aged 12 to 17 are recommended to receive the second dose of the BioNTech vaccine 12 weeks after getting their first dose.
In late September, the experts recommended teenagers only receive one dose of the BioNTech vaccine. Back then, the experts explained that most heart conditions like myocarditis or pericarditis took place after receiving the second dose of the vaccine.
On Thursday, the experts cited studies and said lengthening the time between getting the second and third dose can reduce the risk of developing such conditions. The experts added teenagers can also have the booster jab administered on their thighs.
