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June 18, 2021 "The topic of heterologous vaccination is under discussion and soon the CTS will probably decide, but what everyone reiterates is that the strong recommendation is to switch to the mixed regimen by administering the second dose with an mRna vaccine. This is because studies have shown a greater immune response and a reduced thromboembolic risk ".



Thus the general director of Prevention of the Ministry of Health, Gianni Rezza, in a press conference on the epidemiological trend, right in the Ministry's headquarters, during the appointment with the weekly analysis of the data of the regional monitoring of Covid 19.



Director Rezza then underlined how some, about 10%, ask for a second AstraZeneca dose: "We need to consider whether rather than having an incomplete cycle it is better to vaccinate with the same AZ vaccine".



"What everyone reiterates, from Aifa to the ministry to the CTS - explained Rezza - is that the strong recommendation is to switch to a mixed regime. There are studies that say that it is at least as effective, if not more, than the recall with the same vaccine. And then the risk of the second dose of AstraZeneca is very low, much more than the first dose. "



"The primary objective was to switch to the first dose with mRna vaccine for the under 60s, then for extreme caution it was decided to switch to this combined regimen to give a greater immune response and a zero thromboembolic risk. Now there is a a certain number of people, around 10%, who seem to want to complete the cycle with the same vaccine, this is the crucial issue we are facing ".



The problem, in short, is still open: "I think the recommendation to the mixed regime will have to remain. But the refusal involves an incomplete cycle, it will be necessary to see if it is better not to vaccinate with the same product. ".



The situation in Italy

"Although with some caution, always necessary, for the moment the epidemiological situation is more favorable than in other countries of the European Union". "We are in a better situation - said Rezza - measures inspired by caution have been taken with gradual openings, together with the vaccination campaign that has finally started to run. The situation can be observed with a certain optimism".



2 doses to protect against the Delta variant

"It has been seen that the partial evasion of the Delta variant vaccines means that the single dose may not cover it. So in Great Britain the second doses are speeding up, but we have always adopted a double dose and this should protect the population more ".