Preliminary data from an ongoing safety and immunogenicity trial indicated that the AstraZeneca vaccine increases antibody response against the COVID-19 Omicron variant when given as a booster.

This was disclosed by Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical and data analysis of the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF).

Sorongon said the increased response was observed in individuals who were vaccinated with  AstraZeneca, now called Vaxzevria.

Citing the same trials made by Oxford Vaccine Group chief investigator and director Andrew Pollard, Sorongon said a third shot of Vaxzevria after two initial doses of the same vaccine, or inactivated vaccines, “strongly boosts immunity against COVID-19.”

He added that AstraZeneca also increases immune response to the Beta, Delta, Alpha, and Gamma variants, preliminary results of the study also showed.

With this development, EOC-TF Executive Director Em Ang urged residents to get their booster shots, adding that Bacolod has enough supply of AstraZeneca to be administered as booster shots.

“Given the rise of COVID-19 cases after the holidays, residents should avail [themselves] of the booster shots already; this is for increased protection,” Ang said.

Individuals may get their booster shots three months after their last dose, both for single and double dose vaccines.

“There will be a drive-thru for those who are availing their booster shots at Ayala Malls Capitol Central South Parking area this Sunday until Thursday. It will serve as an express lane so our residents don’t have to join the queue at the vaccination sites,” Dr. Edwin Miraflor Jr., officer-in-charge of the City Health Office, said./WDJ