Booster needed against Omicron variants: What studies show
1/5
What new studies say
A COVID-19 booster dose will provide strong and broad antibody protection against Omicron sublineage variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is what two new studies using serum from human blood samples suggest.
2/5
How the tests were done
Researchers from the Ohio State University in the US tested neutralising antibody levels against the BA.2 and BA.3 Omicron variants and Deltacron, a recombinant variant created by the exchange of genetic material between Delta and Omicron.
3/5
Enough concentration of antibodies
The studies showed that a third mRNA vaccine dose was required to generate a high enough concentration of antibodies to neutralise BA.2 and Deltacron. As well as other Omicron variants, including the original BA.1, and BA.1.1.
Amazon Top Deals
POWERED BY
4/5
Two doses enough for BA.3
The studies also showed that antibodies produced by just the two-dose series of mRNA vaccines were enough to neutralise BA.3 . The researchers said this is a sign this variant is not likely to produce a new surge of Omicron infections.
5/5
Booster against BA.2 & Deltacron
The studies said that, based on the neutralisation pattern, one booster shot can protect against BA.2 and Deltacron. Unlike BA.3, they are not sensitive to neutralisation by two doses.