WHO Chief Scientist advises against mixing, matching of Covid vaccines

Ms Swaminathan referred to the mixing and matching of Covid-19 vaccines from different manufacturers a "dangerous trend."

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan on Monday advised people not to mix and match Covid-19 vaccines from different manufacturers as there is little data available on the impact it might have. Ms Swaminathan said in an online briefing that it is a "dangerous trend" as there is limited data on mix and match and it might turn into "a chaotic situation in countries if citizens start deciding when and who will be taking a second, a third and a fourth dose." Meanwhile, according to India Today, Pfizer wants US and European regulators to authorise a third booster shot of its vaccine to supplement its two-dose regimen. However, health officials, including Ms Swaminathan, have said that there is no medical evidence that a third Pfizer shot is necessary. They said such decisions should be taken based on the science and the data and not on the individual companies.