![A vial labelled with the AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine is seen in this illustration picture [File image]](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SABC-News-COVID-19-AstraZeneca-Reuters.jpg)
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.
The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker said researchers at Oxford University who carried out the study were independent from those who worked on the vaccine, Vaxzevria, with AstraZeneca.
