Longer interval between Pfizer vaccine better for building antibody levels: Study

NEW DELHI: A British study concluded that a longer gap between Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine doses may lead to a higher overall antibody count. The study also noted a sharp drop in the antibody levels after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The findings of the study can be useful for strategists and public health officials to develop a game plan against the highly infectious Delta variant. The Delta variant reduces the effectiveness of one dose of the vaccine, though two doses are still protective. 

The author of the study, which was conducted by the University of Oxford, said that the longer dosing interval between Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine neutralizes antibody levels against the Delta variant. Furthermore, the antibody levels are not maintained during the gap between the two doses.

After the two vaccine doses, the neutralizing antibody levels are about double in amount after the longer dosing interval compared with the shorter dosing interval. The neutralizing antibody level is important as they help in building immunity to fight the coronavirus. The researchers conducting the study noted that while a second dose is needed, delaying that dose might provide a better immunity in the longer run.