Coronavirus: WHO gives the nod for mix-and-match vaccine schedules
- Countries that use inactivated shots approved by the agency for first dose can use mRNA or vectored vaccines for subsequent doses, says WHO
- Unpredictable supply, or a lack of consistent supply of the same vaccine product, is cited as a common reason for embracing mix-and-match vaccination
Countries that use inactivated vaccines approved by the agency for emergency use for initial doses can use mRNA vaccines or vectored vaccines for subsequent doses, according to a preliminary recommendation by immunisation experts after they met on December 7.
Countries that initially used vectored vaccines could use mRNA vaccines for subsequent doses, or vice versa.
“Heterologous vaccination should only be implemented with careful consideration of current vaccine supply, vaccine supply projections and other access considerations, alongside the potential benefits and risks of the specific products being used,” the WHO said in its interim recommendation.
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China considers mixing Covid-19 vaccine types to boost effectiveness
WHO supported “a flexible approach” to using vaccines of the same technology or mixing and matching, the agency said.
