Corona study on mRNA vaccines: Researchers name the optimal period between first and second vaccination for the best vaccination protection.
While many in Germany are already getting a booster vaccination * against the coronavirus on the recommendation of the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), for some the first and second vaccination is still ahead. A new study from Vancouver, Canada has now shown that the vaccination interval between the first and second vaccination dose with an mRNA vaccine has a significant effect on vaccination protection. echo24.de * reveals how big the gap between the first and second vaccination with the vaccines from Biontech or Moderna should be, according to the study, in order to achieve the highest possible effect.
Biontech / Moderna: According to the study, vaccination interval is crucial for vaccination protection
In a study, the results of which were published in the American journal JAMA on December 3, 2021, Canadian researchers examined the effects of the difference between the first and second vaccination with an mRNA vaccine on the immune response. The focus was on the two corona vaccines from Biontech (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1273).
The study participants submitted blood samples at the beginning of the study and during the course of the study. Between December 16, 2020 and February 22, 2021, all participants received a first dose of the mRNA vaccine from Biontech or Moderna. The second dose of vaccine was given to the participants at different intervals. The researchers then evaluated how high the proportion of antibodies against the coronavirus formed in the blood, depending on the vaccination interval, six months after the first vaccination.
New corona study: vaccination interval for mRNA vaccines determines effectiveness
Two different comparisons were made in the study. In the first comparison, the blood groups of second vaccinations with “short interval” (second vaccination dose between 18 and 28 days after the first vaccination) and “medium interval” (second vaccination dose after 24 to 49 days) were compared with one another. During the evaluation, care was taken to ensure that the blood groups from the groups are comparable with one another in terms of gender, age and previous illnesses.
The result is remarkable: in the group with a “medium interval” between first and second vaccination, significantly more antibodies against the coronavirus were found on average (2476 U / ml) than in the group with a “short interval” (1697 U / ml ).
In the second comparison, the blood groups of a group with a short vaccination interval (in which the second vaccination was administered after a maximum of 36 days) and a group with a long vaccination interval (second vaccination after 100 to 120 days) were compared. The difference was not as great as in the first comparison: In the group with the short distance, 928.4 U / mL antibodies were measured, in the group with the long distance 1154 U / mL.
Study results show: vaccination interval determines the mRNA vaccination protection
The researchers have come to the study result that with the mRNA vaccines – similar to dead vaccines * – the immune response after the second vaccination is to a certain extent stronger, the greater the distance to the first vaccination. However, the time of the second vaccination should not be delayed too long. The results of the study say: “A delayed strategy of the second dose could provide a faster partial protection for a larger part of the population with limited vaccine supplies.”
However, postponing the second vaccination dose means a longer period of time during which the first vaccination only provides partial protection. According to the researchers, it must be weighed up whether a higher immune response outweighs the full-fledged vaccination against the coronavirus at an early stage. For risk groups, it is still advisable to ensure full vaccination protection quickly through a prompt second vaccination.
For everyone whose first and second vaccination was a little longer ago, echo24.de * explains how long Biontech, Moderna and AstraZeneca protect – and when a booster vaccination is necessary. In addition, it is already known what side effects there can be with a booster vaccination with Biontech or Moderna. * echo24.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.
List of rubric lists: © Oliver Berg / dpa / Symbolbild
