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The Omikron superwariant is spreading around the world. To protect citizens, more countries are introducing a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Is it able to protect against the Omicron? Initial research results have just been published in Israel. As noted by the hospital where they were carried out – the first such in the world.
- Israel was the first country in the world to start administering the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It took place on December 31
- The second booster immunization is aimed at people aged 60+, medical staff and immunocompromised people
- In December, a second booster dose study began at the Szeba Medical Center in Tel Aviv
- On January 17, the results of these analyzes were announced. They are preliminary and not yet published. They show that after the fourth dose, the level of antibodies increases, but there is a concern that the level of antibodies may not be sufficient to block Omikron.
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Fourth dose and Omikron. A hospital in Israel announces the results of the research
On January 17, Dr. Gili Regev-Yochay, director of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit at Israel’s largest hospital, Szeba Medical Center, announced the results of an unreviewed fourth dose study of the Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. ‘These are very preliminary results, prior to any publication, but we are giving them because we understand the urgent need for the public to get as much information as possible about the fourth dose,’ emphasized Dr Regev-Yochay.
- Do you have or have you had COVID-19? Check how long you have to wait for a booster dose
We would like to remind you that in December, research on a second booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine began at the Szeba Medical Center. Approximately 270 health workers took part in it. 154 people received the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine, 120 people received the Moderna vaccine (previously they had received three doses of the Pfizer vaccine).
In the case of people vaccinated with Pfizer / BioNTech, the observations lasted two weeks, in the group vaccinated with Moderna – one week. The results were then compared with the control group that did not receive the fourth dose. As it turned out?
Further part under the video.
Fourth dose “only partially effective against Omicron”
The analyzes showed that the fourth dose increased the level of antibodies to a slightly greater extent than the third. One week after the fourth dose of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine, the antibody levels were similar to that of the third injection, and over time the scientists identified a further increase. The study also showed that the antibody levels following immunization with Pfizer and Moderna were the same (analysis one week after vaccination), and that both vaccines were equally safe.
Do you want to test your COVID-19 immunity after vaccination? Have you been infected and want to check your antibody levels? See the COVID-19 immunity test package, which you will perform at Diagnostics network points.
This is good news. Less optimistic is that antibody levels after the fourth dose are likely not to be sufficient to prevent Omikron infections. As Regev-Yochay reported, the protection offered by the second booster “is only partially effective against the Omikron variant, which is relatively resistant to the vaccine”. – We already know that the level of antibodies needed to protect and avoid Omicron infection is probably too high for a vaccine, even if it is a good vaccine – emphasized the scientist.
Still, slightly fewer infections were seen among those who received the fourth dose compared to the control group. There was also no significant difference between those who received the Pfizer / BioNTech dose and the Moderna. “I think the decision to authorize a fourth dose of the vaccine for vulnerable populations is probably right,” said Dr. Regev-Yochay. However, the current findings may not be sufficient to extend the additional immunization booster to the entire population.
Israel is the first to vaccinate with the fourth dose. Decisions of other countries
Israel is the first country in the world to opt for the fourth dose. Israelis over the age of 60, medical personnel and immunocompromised people are eligible for it. “The citizens of Israel were the first in the world to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, we will also be in the lead with the fourth dose,” wrote the country’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in a December 2021 press release. “My message is – don’t waste your time, go get vaccinated” – he appealed. The first vaccinations with the fourth dose started on December 31.
Bennett stressed that the decision of the pandemic expert panel to approve the fourth dose was “excellent news to help us get through the wave of the Omikron variant overwhelming the world”.
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Chile followed suit. On January 13, Spain announced the start of the fourth dose (for people with low immunity). In December, the Brazilian Ministry of Health authorized another immunization (the decision concerned immunocompromised people).
A similar recommendation for some social groups was issued by the Austrian vaccination council. “In view of the forthcoming wave of Omikron infections, a fourth dose may be proposed in high-risk areas (e.g., vulnerable health care workers) and in areas at systemic risk six months after the third dose,” reported at the end of 2021. Experts emphasized that there is no evidence that the next dose of vaccination will prevent infection, but it can be assumed that this will avoid a severe course of the disease.
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