Australian researchers have revealed that obtaining a vaccine booster in the same hand as the original dose can trigger a sharp and more effective immune response.

The findings of his study published in the Journal Cell were led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Kirbi Institute at UNSW Sydney.

Scientists found that special immune cells called macrophages, after the first dose, have ‘procaut’ inside the lymph nodes near the injection site. These cells then help in the position of memory B cells – a significant part of the immune system – to respond rapidly when given a second dose in one place.

TRAI Fan of the Garvon Institute said, “This is a fundamental discovery of how the immune system organizes itself to give better feedback to external threats. Nature has come up with this magnificent system and we have started understanding it right now.”

Why the vaccine location matters

The vaccines work by presenting a harmless form of a virus or bacteria in the body, teaching the immune system to identify and fight it.

Once the vaccine is administered, it travels to nearby lymph nodes – body’s immune training hub. Memory B cells, which help produce antibodies when the body re -sees the same virus, is often found in the lymph node where the vaccine was injected.

Using advanced imaging tools, Garvon researchers found that these memory B cells go to the outer areas of the lymph node, where they interact with the pre -first dose trained macrophages.

When the booster is given in the same hand, the ‘priced’ macrophages react quickly and activate the memory B cells to produce strong antibodies.

“Macrophages are known to clean infections, but here they are also organizing the next immune response,” said Ram Dhini, co-writer of the study.

Results from clinical trials

To see if the effect was the same in humans, researchers conducted a study with 30 participants, in which the Fizer -Biontech Kovid -19 vaccine was received. Those who receive both doses in the same hand had rapid and more effective antibody reactions, especially in the first week after the second shot.

“These early antibodies were also better in neutralizing variants like Delta and Omikron,” Dr. of Kirby Institute. Me Linga Munier said.

While both groups had the same antibody levels from four weeks, scientists say that earlier security during outbreak can be important.

“This simple strategy, using the same hand, can help create community-level security faster,” Dr. Munier said.

Researchers hope that the findings will inform the future vaccination strategies and possibly reduce the number of boosters required.