UK launches study on necessity of booster shots

LONDON • Britain has launched a study to explore whether giving a third dose "booster" shot of coronavirus vaccines would be safe and effective in extending immune protection against the disease.

The trial, which aims to recruit nearly 3,000 participants, will look at seven different Covid-19 shots, some of which are already approved by regulators and in wide use and others that are still in development. British officials have been planning for the possibility of a booster vaccination campaign before the winter after initially targeting immunisation with a two-dose schedule for the whole adult population by the summer.

Major vaccine makers, as well as some policymakers in the United States, have also suggested that booster or even annual Covid-19 shots might be needed. But some health experts have questioned whether there is evidence that repeat vaccinations are necessary.

Co-leader of the trial, Dr Saul Faust, a professor of paediatric immunology and infectious diseases at Britain's Southampton University, said its findings would inform vaccination strategy planners and politicians "in their decision on whether to boost anybody with a third at all, or - if they are going to get a booster - which vaccine might be used".

The seven vaccines being evaluated are the Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna shots that have already being rolled out in Britain, as well as those from Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, Valneva and CureVac for which Britain has future supply deals.

They will be given as third shots to people who have already received two doses of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine, with initial findings expected in September.

"The data from this world-first clinical trial will help shape the plans for our booster programme later this year," Health Minister Matt Hancock said.

He also said Britain will be hosting an in-person Group of Seven health ministers' meeting in Oxford on June 3-4, ahead of a leaders' meeting later in the month.

REUTERS