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COVID-19 VACCINES

New Austrian Covid-19 vaccine could protect against Omicron

The vaccine - developed by the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni) - could protect against all existing Covid-19 variants.

Published: 5 April 2022 16:52 CEST
New Austrian Covid-19 vaccine could protect against Omicron
A new Covid-19 vaccine developed in Vienna could offer protection against Omicron. (Photo by ALEX HALADA / various sources / AFP)

A new Covid-19 vaccine developed by MedUni in Vienna could offer protection against Omicron, according to the results of a recent study conducted in Austria’s capital city.

The results show the antibody response was stronger with the new vaccine than in people already fully vaccinated with two doses of a registered vaccine, or those who have recovered from the virus.

The vaccine – which is a combination of the Covid-19 and Hepatitis B vaccine – even prompted an antibody response in people who have not yet been vaccinated.

READ ALSO: How Austria’s attempt to make vaccines mandatory changed the country

The protein-based vaccine is currently known as PreS-RBD and the results of the study were published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The study was led by Rudolf Valenta, a researcher at the Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology at MedUni.

Valenta said: “The vaccine is designed to enable repeated injections to build up lasting sterilising immunity, could be used in all age and risk groups and appears to be superior to the vaccines currently available in terms of induction of neutralising antibodies.” 

The Wiener Zeitung reports that the first clinical trials for approval of the vaccine could be carried out later this year if funding is secured.

The Covid-19 vaccines that are currently approved for use in the EU are BioNTech/Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

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COVID-19 VACCINES

What to know about Austria’s new advice on Covid vaccines

As the coronavirus pandemic progressed, each country developed its own vaccination recommendation, which often changed. Here is the new advice from the Austrian vaccination panel.

Published: 29 November 2022 14:39 CET
What to know about Austria's new advice on Covid vaccines

The Austrian National Vaccination Panel has updated its recommendations on Covid vaccination on several points, the Ministry of Health announced.

“Special attention continues to be paid to the completion of the basic immunisation, which is recommended for all persons five years of age and older, and to the booster vaccination,” according to the Ministry of Health.

The booster shot is generally available to all persons 12 years of age and older and is free of charge, but it is especially recommended for persons 60 years of age and older and those at risk.

READ ALSO: Masks against Covid and flu: What’s ahead for Austria this winter

In Austria, the basic immunisation against Covid-19 consists of three vaccine doses. A fourth dose, also known as a booster shot, is also recommended.

What is new in the recommendation?

Austria is adding a new coronavirus vaccine, from Sanofi (VidPrevtyn Beta), to the list of offers against the virus. The new vaccine is protein-based and has already been approved by the European authorities. 

In Austria, the Sanofi vaccine can be used from the third vaccination onwards on people older than 18. The offer will be available at the vaccination sites in the coming week at the earliest, according to the Ministry. 

READ ALSO: Colds and flu: What to do and say if you get sick in Austria

Another change is that the variant Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 from BioNTech/Pfizer will also be used for the third vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years. 

This vaccine is specially adapted to the virus variants Omicron BA.4 and 5. It is now available for children in a special application shot that should be in vaccination sites starting next week at the earliest. 

READ ALSO: What to expect from the ski season in Austria this winter

Also included in the recommendations is a clarification specifically on an additional booster vaccination (fifth vaccination). 

People at risk from the age of 18, and those from the age of 60 can receive the additional booster vaccination four months after the fourth vaccination. According to the vaccination panel, no fifth vaccination is necessary for healthy people under 60.

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