The list of countries that are allowing people to mix coronavirus vaccines is steadily increasing. Read on to find out more about how and where vaccine cocktail is possible.
Why are countries allowing you to mix coronavirus vaccines?
There is a huge delay in the availability of vaccines for the second dose. This along with safety concerns has slowed vaccine campaigns around the world. Researchers and doctors are now looking to switch up COVID-19 vaccines. Right now, this is a potential solution.
Here are the countries that currently allow to mix vaccines
United States
Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowed the mixing of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines with a minimum gap of 28 days. However, CDC recommends the use of two vaccines only in exceptional situations.
United Kingdom
The UK stated in January 2021, that the mixing of vaccines would be possible in case of shortages. However, findings from a study led by Oxford University found that people who received a dose of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines experienced mild to moderate post-vaccination symptoms. Additionally, on May 21, Novavax released that it would take part in a mix-and-match vaccination trial and develop boosters.
Sweden
Sweden’s health agency reported that people over 65 who took the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine will have the option to mix shots from April 20 onwards.
Spain
Spain also allows vaccine mixing for people over 60 who took the AstraZeneca first shot. The decision was approved after a state-funded study found that following up with a Pfizer shot was effective and safe.
South Korea
South Korea is the first Asian country to allow vaccine mixing. Since the start of mix-and-match trial on May 20, it is using all available vaccines for the second dose after the first shot of AstraZeneca.
Norway
Norway approved a second dose of mRNA vaccine for people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose.
France
France recommended a second dose of mRNA vaccine after AstraZeneca. However, the country’s health advisory is still conducting more trial studies.
Finland
The health and welfare department in Finland approved vaccine mixing for people below the age of 65 from April 14 onwards.
China
Chinese scientists have been working on vaccine mixing since the beginning of April 2021. The officials said that the country was considering mixing various vaccines to boost their efficacy.
Canada
Canada joined the list on June 1st when it allowed people to mix the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine with a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for the second.