Researchers at Northwestern University’s Policy Research Institute say a new study has indicated that a two-dose dose of COVID-19 vaccine does not provide enough protection against the virus in individuals who have previously had mild or asymptomatic cases of the disease, meaning that individuals are still advised to take both doses of the vaccine.
According to a press release from the researchers, the study had examined whether people who had mild or asymptomatic cases of previous coronavirus could achieve a high level of immunity with just one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, rather than the recommended doses. . .
The study did not investigate the differences between mild cases of COVID and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in terms of robustness of the immune response.
Researchers say the study demonstrates the importance of getting coronavirus vaccines, as treatments serve as the best path to herd immunity and make progress toward the end of the pandemic.
“Our data suggest that the path to herd immunity is really through vaccination,” said Professor Thomas McDade, who was one of the individuals who helped gather the study.
The study found that one dose “does not provide adequate protection for most people who had mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19” and that these people should still receive both doses of treatment.
With more vaccination clinics emerging in Illinois, health officials expect more progress in dose administration and in reducing the rate of cases. This is DeSalvo, from NBC 5, informative.
According to the press release, the study enrolled about 10,000 people in the Chicagoland area. The researchers used two different types of antibody tests for the study, one providing an accurate measure of prior coronavirus exposure to help identify those with less severe cases of COVID and the other providing a measure of level of protective immunity. against the virus.
The study found that mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID “generate lower levels of protective immunity” than those generated by the two doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
“These mild and asymptomatic cases do not generate much protection, and this will slow progress toward herd (without vaccine) immunity,” McDade said.
Individuals who had survived more severe cases, including those in need of hospitalization, generated a stronger immune response with a dose, according to the researchers.
“We are finding that people who had severe cases of clinically confirmed COVID respond to the first dose of vaccine with a very strong antiviral response and, again, a lot of protective immunity,” McDade said.
Researchers say getting both doses of COVID vaccine is the best way to ensure protection against the virus itself and more serious results in those who do get the virus, and that the study is further proof of these arguments. .
“It’s really important that people get the maximum level of protection that only two doses of the vaccine can get for the vast majority of people,” McDade said.