Coronavirus: No side effects from mix and match for third dose

Cyprus has not seen any side effects by mixing Covid vaccines of a different technology during the administration of booster shots, a pharmaceutical services official said on Monday.

The department’s deputy director Elena Panayiotopoulou said no serious side effects have been reported after administering vaccines developed by different companies or of a different technology in booster jabs.

The health ministry exclusively uses mRNA technology vaccines – Pfizer and Moderna — in booster shots although many had AstraZeneca for the first two shots.

“There has not been any report of a side effect in Cyprus from mix and match,” she said.

One case concerned a mild allergic reaction after the booster, Panayiotopoulou said, but it was not because of mix and match. All three shots administered to the person in question were Pfizer.

“There are very good indications that mix and match is effective and safe and that is why it is recommended,” she said. “In general, the view in Europe is that mix and match is effective and acceptable. It is a practice followed in all countries.”

Cyprus has so far administered booster shots to some 32,000 people. By October 19, a total of 601,051 people had received at least one dose of a vaccine while 566,481 completed their Covid vaccination – two doses.