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Delayed second jab may have done you good
Covishield vaccine induces immunity for at least one year following a single dose
Strong immune responses following either a late second dose or a third dose
by Emme Haddon
In early March 2021, I received my first shot of Covishield but began to get a little worried when the recommended three-month time frame had passed for the second dose with no sign of the promised shipment from India. Finally, in the first week of August, some months later, after what seemed like an interminable wait, I was fortunate enough to secure my second dose of Covishield, along with 490,000 or so others.
The findings of a study of Vaxzevria, the European brand name for the UK’s AstraZeneca vaccine of which the Indian-manufactured Covishield is biologically identical, from the Oxford-led COV001 and COV002 trials by researchers at the University of Oxford, released on June 28, 2021 on the pre-preprint server of the Lancet, demonstrated that antibody levels remain elevated from baseline for at least one year following a single dose.
Furthermore, a 45-week dosing interval between the first and second dose of Covishield, resulted in an 18-fold increase in antibody response, measured 28 days after the second dose. Antibody titers (test determining level of antibodiess in the blood) were four times higher than with a 12-week interval, demonstrating that a longer dosing interval is not detrimental but can derive stronger immunity. The analysis included volunteers aged 18 to 55 years who were enrolled in COV001 and COV002 trials and had received either a single dose or two doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
In addition, a third dose of Vaxzevria given at least sixmonths after a second dose, boosted antibody levels sixfold, maintained T cell response and also resulted in higher neutralising activity against the Alpha (B.1.1.7, ‘Kent’), Beta (B.1.351, ‘South African’) and Delta (B.1.617.2, ‘Indian’) variants. Both the late second dose and the third dose of Vaxzevria were less reactogenic than the first dose.
It seems that those of us who patiently endured a five-month wait for their second dose of Covishield, may in fact, be better protected than those who, by whatever means they felt necessary, managed to secure their second dose in the previously recommended three-month dosing interval, before supplies ran out. As the old adage goes: good things come to those who wait springs to mind!
The release of the findings of a second study on July 28. 2021, by researchers from the University of Oxford, concluded that the risk of the rare blood clotting thrombocytopenia, venous thromboembolism and arterial thromboembolism after receiving first doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer COVID-19 jabs is far lower than from the actual virus.
Rates of venous thromboembolism were eight times higher after a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection compared with the expected rate. Many developed countries limited AstraZeneca’s use to older adults because of concerns about an elevated risk of blood clots affecting the younger population. These findings should allay any fears about the vaccine’s safety.
Results from the Canadian Immunization Research Network with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, published as a pre-print on July 23, 2021, showed that one dose of Vaxzevria (Covishield) was 82% effective against Beta/Gamma and 87% and 90 % effective against the Delta (B.617.2, ‘Indian’) and Alpha (B.1.1.7, ‘Kent’) variants’ hospitalisation or death.
Research into the coronavirus is on-going and it important to ensure that officials keep abreast of new developments and plan accordingly. In countries such as Sri Lanka with limited resources, hard hit economically by Covid-19, where the majority of those under the age of 30 have yet to receive a first vaccine, the findings that Covishield’s antibody levels remain elevated from baseline for at least one year following a single dose, with increased immunity provided as a result of a longer dosing interval are potentially game-changing.
The Delta virus variant has changed the shape of the pandemic. At a time when the vaccination program is struggling to keep up with rapid transmission of the Delta variant, any Covishield vaccines kept aside for second doses, might be better utilised now as first doses to prevent hospitalizations and deaths in those higher risk as yet unvaccinated groups.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
