According to US media reports, scientists have found that compared with the previous new coronavirus variant, two doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are basically less effective in preventing the Omicron variant, and Omicron can infect people who have been fully vaccinated against the new crown virus.
Still, the researchers are optimistic that boosting the needle could boost immunity to this new, highly contagious variant.
In a new study published on Dec. 13, researchers at the University of Oxford tested people's blood samples 28 days after they were given the two vaccines for the second time.
When Omi kerong was introduced into these samples, the scientists reported a significant drop in neutralizing antibodies against the coronavirus compared to the immune response against earlier variants. The research paper notes that some vaccinators simply cannot neutralize the Omiljung variant.
"This could lead to breakthrough infections in individuals who have been previously infected or vaccinated twice, triggering a further wave of infections, and there is currently no evidence that this variant increases the likelihood of serious illness, hospitalization or death," the study's authors said. ”
Gavin Scridton, head of the Oxford University School of Medicine and lead author of the paper, said in a December 13 press release that the findings should make it clear that when it is recommended to take booster injections, take the initiative to do so.
"While there is no evidence that vaccinated populations are at increased risk of serious illness or death, we must remain cautious as more cases will still place a considerable burden on the healthcare system," Scridton warned. ”
Co-author Theresa Lambe, professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford, added: "Valid data from the real world show us that vaccines continue to protect us from a variety of serious diseases that previously worried us. The best way to protect us in this pandemic is to get vaccinated. ”
A report published last week by the UK's Health Security Agency estimated that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were far less effective at preventing the Omicron variant than the Delta variant. However, the report notes that after boosters, vaccines are considered to be 70 to 75 percent effective in preventing symptomatic infections.
In addition, according to a previous report released by the United States, most of the cases of Omikeron found in the United States were completely vaccinated against the new crown, and one-third of them received booster injections.
Considered more contagious than the Delta variant, the Omiljung variant was first discovered in South Africa in November and has since spread to at least 38 countries and 25 states around the world.
EDIT: DXY
Audit: CMY
Proofreader: Liu Jun