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Older people are much more likely to get Covid-19 a second time, according to a major new study published today.
It found that people over 65 only have 47% protection against reinfection compared to 80% of younger people.
It is the first large-scale study of reinfections by Covid-19 and highlights the urgency of extending the vaccine to older age groups.
The researchers said their findings, published today in Lancet medical journal, show how important it is to implement policies to protect the elderly during the pandemic.
Dr Steen Ethelberg, from the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark, said: “Our study confirms what others seemed to suggest: reinfection with Covid-19 is rare in younger, healthier people, but the elderly are at higher risk of contracting it. . again.
“Since older people are also more likely to experience severe symptoms of disease – and sadly die – Our findings make clear how important it is to implement policies to protect older people during the
pandemic.
Given the stakes, the results emphasize how important it is for people to adhere to the measures in place to keep themselves and others safe, even if they have already had Covid-19.
“Our insights could also inform policies focused on broader vaccination strategies and easing of lockdown restrictions.”
Importantly, the authors noted that the time period of their study meant that it was not possible to estimate protection against reinfection with Covid-19 variants, some of which are known to be more
transmissible.
More studies are needed to assess how protection against repeat infections might vary with different strains of Covid-19.
Dr. Daniela Michlmayr, one of the study’s authors, added: “In our study, we did not identify anything that indicates that protection against reinfection decreases within six months after the appearance of Covid-19.
“The closely related coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, have been shown to confer immune protection against reinfection lasting up to three years, but ongoing analysis of Covid-19 is needed to understand its long-term effects on the chances of COVID-19. re-infected patients. “
The findings highlight the need to obtain the implementation of vaccination is back on track. However, even if the AstraZeneca vaccine is cleared for use in Ireland again, it will take days to set up new clinics.
Optimism is growing that research by the European Medical Agency will show that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk, following an investigation into reports of blood clotting events in several people who received the injection.
The HSE said yesterday that it has 49,100 doses of the vaccine in its cold chain warehouse; This week 30,000 vaccines were canceled after the jab was temporarily suspended.
A spokeswoman said: “We are working today and over the next few days to decide our approach in light of the latest advice.
“If we are advised to resume management of AstraZeneca, we would hope to be able to do so within days of receiving that advice.”
The World Health Organization said yesterday that it believes that “the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks” and “recommends that vaccinations continue.”
It said: “Vaccination against Covid-19 will not reduce illnesses or deaths from other causes. Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease worldwide.
“In extensive vaccination campaigns, it is routine for countries to flag possible adverse events after vaccination. This does not necessarily mean that the events are related to vaccination. “
Meanwhile, GPs have been told that the rollout of the Pifzer and Moderna vaccines for people aged 75 to 79 will drop by 35-40 percent next week.
The letter from the Irish Medical Organization said that “vaccine allocation remains limited by supply.”
It means that a significant number of people in this age group face a delay. Doses will be delivered to GPs at the next assignment.
They will receive 80,500 vaccinations next week and a second dose will be guaranteed for those over 80 years of age.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he and US President Joe Biden discussed the vaccine.
supplies yesterday.
He said the logistical challenge facing the United States is similar to that of Ireland.
“Like any other country, it is very eager to vaccinate its people as quickly as possible and to have enough vaccinations to make.”
that.
“Their main objective right now is to vaccinate their own people, like all countries.”
Irish independent
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