According to Chinese scientists, although enhanced injections can “significantly improve immunity”, the protection of Omicron variants “may still be compromised.”
A new study on the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus confirmed by experts shows that people infected with COVID-19 and those who have been vaccinated will be protected “on the basis”. Oppose this disturbing change.
However, this study also shows that Omicron may be “better” than all other variants in terms of evading the body’s previous protection from infection or vaccination.
A study published in the journal Emerging Microorganisms and Infections on December 12 found that although the three-dose vaccine can “significantly enhance immunity,” its ability to prevent disease is unlikely to occur. The omicron body still exists. May get injured. ”
In his preliminary study, author Wang Youchun of the State Food and Drug Administration of China stated that these results support South Asia’s recent findings that the Omicron variant is “very sensitive to immune system avoidance”.
“We found a large number of mutations in Omicron, which has caused a major change in the ability of people who already have COVID-19 to recognize the virus,” he said. However, the average ED50 protection of Omicrons is still higher than the baseline, indicating that there is still a certain degree of protection. ”
Mr. Wang argued that because the antibody protection from previous infections or vaccinations gradually disappeared within six months, Omicron “can better avoid immunity.”
An expert team of 11 scientists studied 28 plasma samples from patients who recovered from the initial infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
They compared it with Omicron’s in vitro samples and four other “worrying variants” (such as Delta) and two “related variants” listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
[WHO: Omicron spreads faster and weakens vaccine effectiveness]
Mr. Wang concluded: “This research has confirmed Omicron’s ability to evade the immune system, sounded a wake-up call for the world, and has a major impact on public health plans and system development. The immune system. Coping strategies.”
Wang’s research team warned that “the third nose enhancement strategy can significantly improve immunity, but the protective ability of Omicron may be affected.”
Therefore, there is an urgent need to conduct not only laboratory studies, but also field studies to further understand the Omicron variant, especially whether it has the potential to evade the antibodies already received by the vaccine. Detected or not. Development or not. Born to cause serious illness and death.
According to Wang, the protective ability of the vaccine may be affected by many other factors, such as Omicron’s ability to infect other mutations in the population, and Omicron’s ability to adapt after infection. .
“More population studies on the immune protection and symptoms of Omicrons patients are needed to fully understand the overall impact of Omicrons,” he said.
However, he emphasized that the results of the study “clearly predict the reduced risk of vaccine protection against Omicron variants.”