Domestic Clinical Trial of 'Heterologous Vaccination' Targeting 500 AZ Vaccine First Dose Recipients (Update)

Clinical Study on Heterologous Vaccination with 1st Dose AZ and 2nd Dose Pfizer at National Institute of Health

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As research on 'heterologous vaccination,' a method of receiving different types of vaccines, is underway worldwide, the government has announced plans to conduct related clinical trials domestically. The trials will involve 400 to 500 individuals who received the first dose of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, administering other vaccines approved in Korea, such as Pfizer.

On the 20th, Lee Yoo-kyung, head of the Vaccine Analysis Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing, "Clinical trials on COVID-19 heterologous vaccination are ongoing not only in Spain, as reported yesterday, but also in the UK, Italy, Russia, China, and results are expected soon." She added, "Domestically, the National Institute of Health plans to conduct clinical research on heterologous vaccination with Pfizer and other vaccines for those who received the AZ vaccine." She further explained, "This research will serve as basic data to explore ways to improve the safety and efficacy of vaccinations."

The clinical trial is expected to include vaccine recipients from various age groups. Lee said, "The planned study currently targets those who received the AZ vaccine, and the number of participants is expected to be around 400 to 500, depending on the approval status of additional vaccines. However, the use of booster shots is not specifically considered yet; the focus is on heterologous vaccination between the first and second doses." Specific research plans have not been finalized.

Additionally, Lee explained, "We are currently in the planning and preparation stage, and the study will be designed to include all age groups sufficiently." She added, "The research methods will include analysis of neutralizing antibodies, binding antibodies, and T-cell responses, as well as monitoring adverse reactions."

Separately from this study, those who have already received the first dose of the AZ vaccine will continue to receive the second dose with the same AZ vaccine. Kim Ki-nam, head of the Vaccination Planning Division, said, "Since research on heterologous vaccination is ongoing both domestically and internationally, we will monitor the results and international trends closely." He added, "If more medical evidence is established, discussions will be held domestically through expert and committee reviews."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.