5 May 2021 09:22

Vector holding clinical trials to boost immunity with 3 shots of EpiVacCorona vaccine - developer

MOSCOW. May 5 (Interfax) - The Vector Center of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) is testing the possibility of administering three shots of the EpiVacCorona coronavirus vaccine as a way to enhance the effect of antibodies, head of the Vector department for zoonotic infections Alexander Ryzhikov said.

"We have tested this, the triple vaccination, on animals [...] and the effect of higher and longer immunity has been confirmed; phases 1-2 of the clinical trials, in which three shots of the vaccine are administered, are underway," Ryzhikov said on Rospotrebnadzor's Instagram account.

"Introducing a third vaccination is always natural for this type of vaccine," he said.

According to Ryzhikov, the third injection "will not only raise the level of neutralizing antibodies but will also ensure high affinity [strength] of the antibodies."

The EpiVacCorona vaccine "is eligible for revaccination due to its safety, and repeated, double revaccination is possible," he said.

"We will achieve a sufficient immune response, including among elderly people," Ryzhikov said.

The EpiVacCorona vaccine of Rospotrebnadzor's Vector Center is the second coronavirus vaccine developed in Russia. It was registered on October 13, 2020.

Two shots of the vaccine are administered at a 21-day interval. Mass vaccination with EpiVacCorona began in April.