“We have taken the first steps together with the University of Oxford to produce an Omicron vaccine in the event that it is needed,” said the pharmaceutical company in a statement on Wednesday. In order to be able to assess this, one observes the current data situation. There was initially no further information about further details or a schedule. Immunologists from Oxford University also developed the original vaccine together with the British-Swedish company Astrazeneca.
According to initial findings, the protective effect of the Astrazeneca vaccinations against infection with the Omikron variant is significantly weaker after two vaccination doses than with the previous variants. This is also the case with the mRNA vaccines from Biontech and Moderna. Their manufacturers are also already working on Omikron-adapted vaccines. The mRNA vaccines are considered to be comparatively easy to adapt to new variants. Astrazeneca’s vaccine is what is known as a vector vaccine.
Due to the increased – albeit still very rare – side effects in younger people in Germany, it is now only recommended for people aged 65 and over.