NEW DELHI: Even when the chances of re-infection with Covid-19 are low, vaccination against Covid-19 is likely to protect people from severe symptoms if a new infection occurs after the immunity of the vaccine expires, says AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria.
Dr. Guleria said that long-term studies will be needed to assess how long immunity lasts among vaccinated people. But, even in case of reinfection, it is more likely to be mild. Doctors said immunity from current vaccines can last 9 to 12 months. However, since these are current generation vaccines, it is likely that both the efficacy and immunogenicity of Covid vaccines will improve in the future.
“Even if you have recovered from Covid-19, you can still benefit from vaccination. There is evidence in hospitalized patients that the infection was so overwhelming that the immune response was depleted, and therefore the memory immune to the virus was not created efficiently. Also, if you had a very mild infection, your immune system may not have reached the level required to provide protection for a long time. So vaccination can help regardless of severe or mild illness, ”said a health ministry official.
The drug regulator on Sunday announced the approval of two vaccines: Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Covaxin from Bharat Biotech, against SARS-CoV2 infection, for restricted emergency use. The government is likely to launch the mega vaccination campaign soon to inoculate 30 million priority inhabitants in the first phase in July.
The government has also said that it is advisable to receive a full vaccine schedule regardless of the history of infection, as it will help develop a strong immune system.
However, experts emphasize that the use of masks, social distancing and hand hygiene practices should continue to rule out any reinfection even after vaccination.
.
