The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NI-TAG) of the country recommends a mix-and-match approach to COVID-19 vaccines for the second nationwide vaccination rollout. This according to the advisory group is because of its efficacy. As per international studies, using different brands for the first and second doses gives good protection against the virus.
According to the New York Times, an American daily newspaper, using different vaccines to build immunity against the same virus is not a new idea. It has been experimented on and carried on in the past for diseases such as HIV, Ebola, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
“There are continuous ongoing studies, clinical trials, and extra abridged studies or trials. For this evidence, we are looking into all the current evidence. We are convinced that if we do the mix match, the efficacy is better, immunity is better, especially with the current variants that are circulating especially current delta variants that are globally taking the transmission,” said Dr Sonam Wangchuk, a member of NI-TAG.
He added the side effects from the mix-and-match will be similar to the first dose. But the severity will depend on a person’s immunity level.
“Side effects are very minimal and are similar to what we observe in the first Covishield dose like fever, headache, injection site pain and joint pains. These are the common side effects that were reported. Even for this mix and match same side effects we are going to expect, maybe a little bit more but this is expected,” added Dr Sonam Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, the health minister said should the ministry decide to go for a mix-and-match approach, it would not be because of the dearth of vaccines but because of the adequate evidence of its efficacy from research and clinical trials. However, the ministry is yet to decide on this.
As per the press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, in consultation with the Zhung Dratshang, the government will roll out the second nationwide campaign starting 20th July. The ministry is planning to complete the rollout within a week.
Kinzang Lhadon/ Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
