Covid-19: Vaccine gives longer antibody protection than natural infection

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 27, 2021: Whether natural infection offers a longer protection against Covid-19 or a vaccine shields humans more strongly against the SARS-CoV-2 infection is an intense ongoing debate. Now, a study conducted at Lucknow’s King George’s Medical College has found that vaccine gives better protection against Covid-19.

 

The study found that the antibodies formed in the body of a Covid-19 patient lasts for three to four months and gradually disappears after this period of time.

In comparison, the study found that those who are fully vaccinated - that is, have taken both doses of the approved Covid-19 vaccines - showed longer active time for the antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

The Department of Blood and Transfusion Medicine in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh has been investigating the stay of antibodies for about one-and-a-half months. Blood samples of more than 2,000 health workers were tested for the study.

Dr Tulika Chandra, head of the department of Blood and Transfusion Medicine, said fully vaccinated people would be tested for antibodies after three months for more accurate results as part of the ongoing study.

The study also found that the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was equal among those antibodies have been found infected with the novel coronavirus and those who took the first dose of the vaccine.
WHAT KGMU’S STUDY FOUND

    * According to the study, antibodies were found in 90 per cent of the doctors, paramedical staff and employees tested at the hospital. Of these, 68 percent got both doses of the vaccine and 11 per cent took one dose.
    * Antibodies were also found in the 11 per cent who did not get the vaccine.
    * No antibodies were formed in five per cent of those tested at the hospital who took both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
    * At the same time, two per cent of those who had taken the first dose of the vaccine did not develop any antibodies.
    * The study also found that 41 per cent who took both doses of the vaccine were not infected in the second Covid-19 wave.
    * However, 26 per cent who took both doses of the vaccine were infected in the second wave.

Courtesy:India Today