“Two different vaccines are better. After two Pfizer shots, give the Moderna vaccine or Janssen vaccine and vice versa,” says immunologist Ger Rijkers at Roosevelt University College. Frits Rosendaal, epidemiologist at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), also argues in favor of a ‘pricking mix’. “Because all vaccines are slightly different, you make slightly different antibodies. Just like someone who has had the virus and has been vaccinated, you will then get two types of antibodies. That is profit.”
Effects
“This theory seemed logical from the start,” Rosendaal continues. “The only reason not to want that at the time was that if there are side effects you don’t know which vaccine they come from. Now we know what the risk of side effects is and could it be possible.”
Physician-epidemiologist and thrombosis expert Frits Rosendaal (LUMC).© Betastock – Arno Masse
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Israel is already offering the third shot – a ‘booster shot’ that boosts defenses against the corona virus – on a large scale. In the country that was miles ahead of vaccination at the beginning of 2021, the infection figures rose explosively. “The immune system diminishes over time. And they also have to deal with the more contagious delta variant,” says Rosendaal.
Re-vaccinate
“It is very good if we re-vaccinate in the autumn. Waiting for a new version of a vaccine is probably taking too long. You now see care homes where things go wrong. The nursing home is the canary in the coal mine, where the most vulnerable live. So let’s keep the GGD injection locations.”
According to Rosendaal, with the third shot, you should start with the risk group that also gets the flu shot. Ultimately, everyone from the age of 40 should be offered a booster shot. Professor Rijkers: “Vaccination is intended to prevent disease. If you wait until there is a lot of disease again, you are too late. Vaccination is also looking ahead.”
Also read: Vaccines do not work for kidney transplant patient Nico Zonneveld
The Health Council expects to issue a recommendation on the third injection in September. Germany, France and Poland are already offering booster vaccinations for vulnerable groups. The extra shot is intended for the elderly and people with health problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) previously called for the boosters to be stopped, so that more vaccines are available for people from poor countries. In many countries people do not yet have the opportunity to get a first and second shot.
Weakened immune system
The corona vaccines do not or hardly work for 700,000 Dutch people, reports the Outbreak Management Team. These are patients with a weakened immune system as a result of a congenital disorder, from medication after a transplant or chemotherapy or immunotherapy for cancer. It is being investigated whether they benefit from a third or even fourth injection.
–Ger Richers.
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“That could help in people who still make a little bit of antibodies,” says immunologist Ger Rijkers. “But if you are really at zero after two injections, there is little chance that a third injection will work.”
How should you protect this vulnerable group? “By vaccinating as much as possible in their immediate environment and in society,” says Frits Rosendaal. Although full group immunity is not feasible in the delta variant, which jumps very easily, according to him.
Still, he sees bright spots. For example, there are increasingly better treatments for a covid infection. “If you become very ill now and have to go to hospital, the chance of dying is at least half less than at the beginning of the pandemic.” Specific corona medicines are also coming onto the market. Approval is expected soon for an anti-inflammatory drug that you inhale that is not given through the IV in the hospital like dexamethasone. Patients at risk can also receive antibodies at an early stage of a corona infection, so that they do not end up in the ICU. “Our arsenal is getting bigger and bigger.”
Mandatory vaccination
Rosendaal is in favor of mandatory vaccination in healthcare. “It is not nice when patients see employees who have not been vaccinated. But when there is an obligation, the lawyers, ethicists and FNV are immediately on the back foot.” The dilemma, he says, is that you cannot say: ‘It has to be done, or you should do something else’. “We have a major nursing shortage.” He believes that visitors to catering, museums or other public spaces should be able to demonstrate with the CoronaCheck app that they have been vaccinated, recovered from corona or tested negative. “Just like in France. What you don’t want is 700,000 vulnerable people having to isolate themselves. It’s about solidarity.”
Mary van Opzeeland (73) from Velserbroek has a disrupted immune system as a result of vasculitis. She limits her social contacts, keeps a strict distance and wears a mouth cap everywhere. “If I get corona, there is a very good chance that I will end up on IC or worse.” Jos Krimp (69) from De Kwakel also has a reduced immune system due to illness. ,,I don’t go to shops or on birthdays. I actually want a third vaccination as soon as possible.”
Wil de Vink (72) from Hilversum uses immunosuppressive drugs so that she does not reject her donor kidney. “I belong to the group that has not built up antibodies after vaccination.” She literally walks around everyone with bated breath. “This whole situation has made me shy.”
Professor Rosendaal is surprised that many Dutch people ‘think that Covid-19 is over’. “They want to give me happy hands again. “Well, I’ll wait a little longer,” I say. But then they look at you crazy.”
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