50 signatures reached
To: NIAC (National Immunisation Advisory Committee)
Allow heterologous (mixed) Covid-19 vaccination in Ireland
We are asking NIAC to permit heterologous Covid-19 vaccination in Ireland ie. using a different vaccine for the first and subsequent doses of a multi-dose schedule.
Why is this important?
It is understood the first dose of Astra Zeneca is just 30% effective against the Delta variant. With the rising incidence of the highly transmissible Delta variant in Ireland, this means that the elderly and most vulnerable that have only had one dose of Astra Zeneca are now LESS protected than the rest of the population.
Studies have found that immunization with AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines safe and well-tolerated.
Canada, Finland, France, China, Spain, Sweden, Bahrain and the UAE among others are already using a mixed Covid-19 vaccine strategy.
Mixing vaccines is not a new idea (it has been used successfully with HIV and Ebola). Research shows that mixing vaccines can elicit a stronger/longer-lasting response than a single vaccine regimen. Having a flexible immunisation program would also allow Ireland to be nimble in the face of possible global supply constraints.
Studies have found that immunization with AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines safe and well-tolerated.
Canada, Finland, France, China, Spain, Sweden, Bahrain and the UAE among others are already using a mixed Covid-19 vaccine strategy.
Mixing vaccines is not a new idea (it has been used successfully with HIV and Ebola). Research shows that mixing vaccines can elicit a stronger/longer-lasting response than a single vaccine regimen. Having a flexible immunisation program would also allow Ireland to be nimble in the face of possible global supply constraints.