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 The Omicron coronavirus variant is swiftly spreading across the
globe, with many new cases linked to the mutant and the World Health
Organization warning that Omicron poses a "very high" risk but data
on its severity is limited.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said its recommendation to allow
J&J booster doses follows data which showed the additional shot led
to a rise in antibodies against the COVID-causing SARS-CoV-2
coronavirus.
The EMA said that a J&J booster dose may also be given after two
doses of one of the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna,
in line with its recommendation on mixing vaccines.
Several EU countries are tightening restrictions after at least one
patient died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron
variant, which was first detected last month in southern Africa and
Hong Kong.
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 The rolling out of booster
doses is being stepped up as longevity of
protection offered by standard vaccination has
been under scrutiny due to Omicron, whose high
number of mutations may enable it to escape
protection offered by vaccines.
The EU watchdog has already endorsed vaccines
from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna as a third
booster dose at least six months after a
standard two-shot course. It is also considering
AstraZeneca's booster doses.
(Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru;
Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
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