On Omicron, AstraZeneca Says Booster Effective, Cites Oxford Lab Study

The study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, showed that after a three-dose course of the vaccine, neutralising levels against Omicron were similar to those against the Delta variant after two doses.

A three-dose course of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the Omicron coronavirus variant, the pharmaceutical company said on Thursday, citing data from an Oxford University lab study.

The study, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, showed antibody levels against Omicron after the booster shot were higher than antibodies in people who had been infected with and recovered naturally from COVID-19.

After a three-dose course of the vaccine, neutralising levels against Omicron were similar to those against the virus's Delta variant after two doses, the company added.