UK scientists back Covid boosters as study finds post-jab falls in antibodies

[Northerner]

Scientists have backed proposals for Covid boosters in the autumn after blood tests on hundreds of people revealed that protective antibodies can wane substantially within weeks of second vaccine shots being given.

Falls in antibodies after vaccination are expected and do not necessarily mean people are more vulnerable to disease, but the researchers are concerned that if the declines persist the effectiveness of the vaccines may diminish.

The UCL Virus Watch study found that antibodies generated by two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines started to wane as early as six weeks after the second shot, in some cases falling more than 50% over 10 weeks.

The researchers stress that both vaccines are extremely effective against Covid, but say the findings support plans for a booster campaign this autumn, particularly for those who were vaccinated early and with the Oxford/AstraZeneca shot.

UK scientists back Covid boosters as study finds post-jab falls in antibodies

Exclusive: Waning antibody levels are possible warning sign of lower protection in months after vaccination

www.theguardian.com

 

[kentish maid]

Must admit I saw this coming, never been much of an optimist

 

[mikeyB]

Well, we get annual flu jabs that actually last less than a year, just long enough to cover the flu season, so it’s not such a big deal as long as you vaccinate as many people as possible.

 

[Amity Island]

Well, we get annual flu jabs that actually last less than a year, just long enough to cover the flu season, so it’s not such a big deal as long as you vaccinate as many people as possible.

Mikey B,

I thought it was perfectly normal for antibodies to diminish. It's the t-cells that kick back in. So what then is their concern?

 

[mikeyB]

Absolutely, AI, but the T-cells need the occasional reminder with some viruses. We don’t yet know whether Covid is one of that group.

I agree for sure that just looking at antibodies is not an accurate guide. I’ve got no circulating antibodies to streptococcal pneumonia, but I know I’m immune. Same with measles and whooping cough.

 

[nonethewiser]

Happy to have booster this year & every year if need be.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Drug companies sometimes like to make a small profit, the contract to supply annual covid boosters for the next ten years will generate trillions of pounds of profit. Well done.

Doubt much of the profit will be going to AstraZeneca, though.