U.K. Govt says that the COVID-19 booster jab gives 70-75% protection from its Omicron variant
According to a study by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (U.K.S.H.A.), the Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster jab gives 70-75% protection from the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
The study says that 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine are not enough to protect against Omicron. However, the booster shot does help in preventing from Omicron.
When boosted with AstraZeneca – Oxford University vaccine, the protection rate goes upto 70%. People taking Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine as booster jab, were 75% protected against Omicron.
Taking it to twitter, U.K.H.S.A. tweeted,
We have published our weekly report on #COVID19 variants.
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) December 10, 2021
This week’s technical briefing includes detail on the developing situation with the #Omnicron variant of COVID-19: https://t.co/254m2rwJN5
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive of U.K.H.S.A. – Jenny Harries said, “Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so. It is the best defense we have against this highly transmissible new variant. It is also absolutely critical that we all do what we can to reduce transmission in the community so that we have time to administer as many booster doses as possible. Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. Work from home, if you are able to, wear a mask indoors around other people, and ventilate indoor spaces well.”
The U.K.H.S.A. warned that early findings should be treated with caution. It also said that there are greater chances of catching Omicron variant as compared to Delta variant, after few months of taking the second dose.
During the study, 581 people infected with Omicron variant, who had already taken the AstraZeneca- Oxford University and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, showed much lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection. The study showed a 40-fold reduction in the ability of antibodies from double-vaccinated people to take out the virus.
It is estimated that the number of Omicron cases is doubling every two-to-three days. The U.K.H.S.A. also said that Omicron would account for more than 50% of all COVID-19 infections by mid-December, with the U.K. exceeding one million infections by the end of the month. Under the new guidance for care homes in England, residents will only be permitted to receive visits from 3 people, plus one essential care giver.
Meanwhile, the Government says it is updating its guidance for care homes in England – limiting the number of visitors allowed per resident and increasing testing. The Department of Health and Social Care said testing would also increase for fully vaccinated residents making visits outside and for staff.
Besides, the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated its advice to Governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations so that well-stocked countries instead can send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
