Why is third dose of coronavirus vaccine being considered: Virologist Jovanovic gives 2 reasons

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Virologist Tanja Jovanovic says that a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine is mentioned in two different contexts, that is, that there are two directions.

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One direction is turned towards the emergence of new variants of the virus.

"The virus is mutating and slowly changes those structures that are very important for neutralizing it with the immunity caused by the vaccine. In that sense, there is lower efficiency of vaccines against these new strains. What dominates in our country is the British strain, and it has been shown that all vaccines available in Serbia are completely effective," said Dr. Jovanovic.

"However, the South African variant is appearing, we have the Brazilian variant and they accumulate an even larger number of mutations, and in a key region that is important for the virus to establish contact with our cells. It has been shown there that these antibodies and cellular immunity created by the vaccine itself may be less effective. That is why researchers are ready to make s third dose of the vaccine for the new variant of the virus," explains Jovanovic.

When it comes to the second direction, i.e. the context in which a third dose of the vaccine is mentioned, the doctor says that it is being considered if immunity is not created after receiving two doses of the vaccine.

"It is being considered whether to give a third dose of the vaccine or receive a different one," virologist Jovanovic told TV Prva.

She added that each platform for the production of vaccines is different and stimulates the immune response in a different way, and accordingly it should be assessed whether it will be different with a different vaccine.

(Telegraf.rs)