Publication

Abstract : The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has prompted global efforts to develop effective vaccines to curb the spread of the virus. In this context, heterologous vaccination, a strategy involving the administration of different vaccines for prime and boost doses, has garnered increasing interest. However, this concept of utilizing diverse vaccine combinations has its roots in pre-COVID times when it was explored to enhance immune responses against various infectious diseases. We begin by examining the theoretical basis of heterologous vaccination, highlighting its potential to elicit stronger and more durable immune responses compared to homologous vaccination, where the same vaccine is used for both doses. We delve into the underlying immunological mechanisms driving this phenomenon and explore pre-COVID experimental studies that laid the groundwork for understanding its efficacy and safety. In conclusion, heterologous vaccination has emerged as a promising immunization strategy from pre-COVID to the COVID era, offering unique opportunities to optimize immune responses and tackle the challenges presented by the pandemic. However, further investigations are required to fine-tune protocols, ensure safety, and validate its applicability to other infectious diseases, thereby paving the way for a more resilient and effective global vaccination strategy.