AstraZeneca vaccine immune response higher with longer gap, third dose

Leaving a gap of as long as 10 months between the first and second doses increased level of protective antibodies, says Oxford University research.

Immune responses to the AstraZeneca Plc Covid-19 vaccine improve with a longer gap of up to 45 weeks between doses, with a third shot able to boost antibody levels even further, according to a study.

Leaving a gap of as long as 10 months between the first and second doses increased the level of protective antibodies, according to research from the University of Oxford published Monday. The researchers were also able to show for the first time that a booster dose induced a strong response and increased activity against variants.

Vaccine supply shortages in many countries have raised concerns about the impact