The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has embarked on the first phase of research into the effects of an additional, third dose of COVID-19 vaccine from another manufacturer, according to the center's press service.
Report informs, citing TASS, that during the trials, adult volunteers who have received a complete vaccination against COVID-19 will receive booster doses of vaccines from other manufacturers to establish the safety and immunogenicity of mixed booster regimens.
The press service said, citing the director of the US National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci, that while vaccines currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide reliable protection against COVID-19, it is necessary to be prepared to re-administer vaccines to prevent weakening immunity and protect against developing the virus. Fauci believes that the relevant study will pave the way for a decision on a mixed type of revaccination, if necessary.
Preliminary test results are expected in late summer 2021. Volunteers who received a booster dose during this study will be monitored for a year.