We are all talking about Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters as new variants like Eris and BA.X emerge and Covid-19 jabs are set to become available on the private market in the UK. However, new research shows that having these vaccinations does not necessarily protect you from future infection. It all comes down to antibodies: the vaccine works by triggering a response from your immune system that makes you produce antibodies.
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But this isn’t the case for everyone.
What is this study?
The study was carried out by Imperial College London and reported by Express. It found that there is a subsection of people who have no antibodies in their system, even after three vaccinations. Dr Michelle Willicombe from the Department of Immunology and Inflammation reportedly stated:
We know from previous research that people who have a weakened immune system were more likely to catch COVID-19.
Indeed, she went on to explain that ‘they were more likely to need to go into hospital for treatment or die from COVID-19’.
To carry out this study, the researchers took a sample of 23,000 participants. Those whose immune system was already suppressed came back with surprising results.
People most at risk of catching Covid-19
Over 23,000 people did an at-home finger-prick test and loaded the results onto a portal online. The results were surprising: one in five participants who had had a solid organ transplant, a rare autoimmune disease, or a blood cancer involving the lymphocytes was found to have no antibodies even after three or more vaccinations.
No COVID Antibodies After 3 Or More Vaccinations: New Study Reveals People Most At Risk Of Infection
— Becky Ancira Robertson (@AnciraBecky) August 19, 2023
Amid the emergence of new COVID variant Eris, new study finds that some people may have zero COVID antibodies even after 3 or more vaccine doses. https://t.co/U7J2HERNSb
Read more: Long Covid can turn this part of your body blue
What should you do if you fall under this category?
Dr Willicombe says that, if you are invited toget a booster as someone with higher risk of infection, you should go. There is also some logic in establishing a system where people could test their antibodies to check whether thevaccines have worked for them.
Read more:
⋙ Shingles vaccine: Over 1 million people are eligible to get jabbed, should you get it?
⋙ New Covid-19 variant: Scientists demand masks, people passionately reject 'covid nonsense'
Sources used:
Express: The people found to be most at risk of Covid - new study as Eris variant emerges
