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Delayed second jab may have done you good

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Covishield vaccine induces immunity for at least one year following a single dose

Strong immune responses following either a late second dose or a third dose

by Emme Haddon

In early March 2021, I received my first shot of Covishield but began to get a little worried when the recommended three-month time frame had passed for the second dose with no sign of the promised shipment from India. Finally, in the first week of August, some months later, after what seemed like an interminable wait, I was fortunate enough to secure my second dose of Covishield, along with 490,000 or so others.

The findings of a study of Vaxzevria, the European brand name for the UK’s AstraZeneca vaccine of which the Indian-manufactured Covishield is biologically identical, from the Oxford-led COV001 and COV002 trials by researchers at the University of Oxford, released on June 28, 2021 on the pre-preprint server of the Lancet, demonstrated that antibody levels remain elevated from baseline for at least one year following a single dose.

Furthermore, a 45-week dosing interval between the first and second dose of Covishield, resulted in an 18-fold increase in antibody response, measured 28 days after the second dose. Antibody titers (test determining level of antibodiess in the blood) were four times higher than with a 12-week interval, demonstrating that a longer dosing interval is not detrimental but can derive stronger immunity. The analysis included volunteers aged 18 to 55 years who were enrolled in COV001 and COV002 trials and had received either a single dose or two doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

In addition, a third dose of Vaxzevria given at least sixmonths after a second dose, boosted antibody levels sixfold, maintained T cell response and also resulted in higher neutralising activity against the Alpha (B.1.1.7, ‘Kent’), Beta (B.1.351, ‘South African’) and Delta (B.1.617.2, ‘Indian’) variants. Both the late second dose and the third dose of Vaxzevria were less reactogenic than the first dose.

It seems that those of us who patiently endured a five-month wait for their second dose of Covishield, may in fact, be better protected than those who, by whatever means they felt necessary, managed to secure their second dose in the previously recommended three-month dosing interval, before supplies ran out. As the old adage goes: good things come to those who wait springs to mind!

The release of the findings of a second study on July 28. 2021, by researchers from the University of Oxford, concluded that the risk of the rare blood clotting thrombocytopenia, venous thromboembolism and arterial thromboembolism after receiving first doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer COVID-19 jabs is far lower than from the actual virus.

Rates of venous thromboembolism were eight times higher after a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection compared with the expected rate. Many developed countries limited AstraZeneca’s use to older adults because of concerns about an elevated risk of blood clots affecting the younger population. These findings should allay any fears about the vaccine’s safety.

Results from the Canadian Immunization Research Network with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, published as a pre-print on July 23, 2021, showed that one dose of Vaxzevria (Covishield) was 82% effective against Beta/Gamma and 87% and 90 % effective against the Delta (B.617.2, ‘Indian’) and Alpha (B.1.1.7, ‘Kent’) variants’ hospitalisation or death.

Research into the coronavirus is on-going and it important to ensure that officials keep abreast of new developments and plan accordingly. In countries such as Sri Lanka with limited resources, hard hit economically by Covid-19, where the majority of those under the age of 30 have yet to receive a first vaccine, the findings that Covishield’s antibody levels remain elevated from baseline for at least one year following a single dose, with increased immunity provided as a result of a longer dosing interval are potentially game-changing.

The Delta virus variant has changed the shape of the pandemic. At a time when the vaccination program is struggling to keep up with rapid transmission of the Delta variant, any Covishield vaccines kept aside for second doses, might be better utilised now as first doses to prevent hospitalizations and deaths in those higher risk as yet unvaccinated groups.



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Navy seize two Indian fishing boats poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar

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The Sri Lanka Navy seized two [02] Indian fishing boats and apprehended 14 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the sea area north of Mannar in the dark hours of 08 Feb 25.

The seized boats  together with the fourteen Indian fishermen were brought to the Iranativu Island and they were to be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Kilinochchi for onward legal proceedings.

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A sudden power cut has been reported across the island.

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President invites exporters to rise again from the economic setback

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President Anura Kumar Disanayake invited Sri Lankan exporters to rebuild and thrive on a robust economic foundation.

The President emphasized that our country faces the challenge of capturing market share from a position of relative weakness. He pointed out that, to overcome this, external support had to be sought. In this regard, he highlighted that the government is prepared to provide assistance for recovery based on the current economic stability.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake made these remarks at the 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony.

The 26th Presidential Export Awards, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was held on Friday (07) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of President Anura Kumar Disanayake.

The main objective of the awards ceremony is to recognize exporters who have made significant contributions to the economic development of Sri Lanka.

The Presidential Export Award, presented by the President, is the highest honour for Sri Lankan exporters who have made significant contributions to the export sector and economic development.

The Presidential Export Awards program, initiated by the EDB in 1981, has been held annually to recognize Sri Lanka’s top exporters. The awards ceremony for the 2023/24 financial year took place this year.

A total of 14 major awards and 51 awards in the categories of production and services were presented, with recipients gaining the opportunity to use the Presidential Export Award logo as a marketing tool for three years.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake further emphasized the critical importance of the trust placed in Sri Lanka by international economic stakeholders to stabilize the country’s economy. He noted that the global market economy is interconnected, not entirely independent.

He further pointed out that the primary challenge facing Sri Lanka is securing a substantial share of the market amidst the current global division of markets and the ongoing competition to reclaim market shares.

President Anura Kumar Disanayake noted that the global market has become an interconnected network. He emphasized that in order for the country to become a key participant in this market, it must engage in trade agreements that are beneficial to Sri Lanka. He cautioned that aggressive, reckless approaches to market penetration would not be successful, stressing the need for strategic, thoughtful engagement.

The President further stated that the government is already taking steps to provide the necessary technical support for Sri Lankan exporters to enter the market with high-quality products. He highlighted the government’s focus on supplying new goods and services in response to global changes, in line with international market trends.

Regarding the reduction of electricity bills, the President mentioned that the government is prioritizing renewable energy sources to maintain long-term stability in energy costs. He added that efforts are underway to lower costs and ensure stable pricing over the next few years.

President Disanayake also emphasized that the government is committed to playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economy to new heights. He noted that even small or misguided decisions can have significant negative impacts on the economy, and therefore, decisions regarding the economy must be made with great caution and foresight.

In his remarks, the President assured that the government is fully committed to fulfilling exporters’ requests, which are vital to strengthening the nation’s economy and maintaining a strong economic foundation.

Finally, the President invited Sri Lankan exporters to unite in strengthening the economy, stressing the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding to navigate the challenges of economic recovery and growth effectively.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished individuals, including Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Duminda Hulangamuwa, along with various Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, foreign diplomats, Secretaries to the Ministries, and members of the EDB.

[PMD]

 

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