Vaccine intervals increased to boost antibodies

PHNOM PENH--Cambodian authorities recorded 915 new COVID-19 cases on July 13, of which 250 were imported.
Meanwhile, 33 more deaths were registered, bringing the total to 986. The Health Ministry said 876 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
These bring the nationwide total to 63,615 cases with 55,365 recoveries since the start of the pandemic in early 2020.

The interval between first and second doses for Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines has increased from 14 days to 21 days, the ad-hoc Committee for COVID-19 Vaccination says in a letter issued on July 13.

Ministry Secretary of State and committee chairwoman Or Vandine said on July 14 the interval was increased in line with scientific studies.

“Delaying the vaccine interval for another week can boost the antibody response, which can minimize the rate of sickness, hospitalization and death,” Vandine said

There had been no problem for people who got their second dose within two weeks of the first.

“But there is no right or wrong. Those who previously got vaccine shots with the minimum 14-day interval also have antibodies.”

The country continues to expand its vaccination campaign.  By Tuesday of this week, 5,104,846 people had received their first of two vaccine doses while 3,948,011 had received both.