A new study has found that adults who have had a second vaccination are 49% less likely than those who have not received it to contract COVID-19.
King's College London researchers analysed data collected from participants who logged their symptoms, tests, and vaccinations using the UK ZOE CoVID Symptom Study App. This included 1,240,009 (first) and 971.504 (second) doses for vaccinated UK adults. The researchers compared post-vaccination infections with a variety of factors such as age, frailty, and areas of deprivation.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases published a study today that found that even in the rare event of contracting COVID-19, the risk of long-term COVID was almost half in those who had been double vaccinated. A full vaccinated person was also less likely to be hospitalized (73% less likely) or to experience acute symptoms (31% less). Unvaccinated adults were not affected by the most common symptoms, such as anosmia (loss of smell), fever, headaches and fatigue. Anosmia (loss of sense), cough, fever and headaches were the most common symptoms. People who had been vaccinated reported fewer symptoms and were less likely to experience multiple symptoms within the first week. The only sign that was more common in COVID-19-vaccinated individuals was sneezing.
People living in the most poverty areas are at higher risk of getting sick after one vaccination. Although age alone was not a risk factor for COVID-19, people with compromised health, such as frailty, were more likely to get sick and contract the disease.
These findings show the importance of targeting at-risk populations. COVID-19 has already been demonstrated to have a significant impact on frail adults. Researchers suggest strategies like a timely booster program, targeted infection control measures, and further research into the immune reaction to vaccination in this population.
Dr Claire Steves, a lead researcher at King's College London, stated that double vaccinations significantly lower the chance of catching the virus or, if you do, of developing long-term symptoms. The risk to older people, the elderly, and those in poorer areas is still high and should be addressed immediately.
Professor Tim Spector, from King's College London, and lead investigator of ZOECOVID Study, comments that "Vaccinations dramatically reduce the chance of people getting Long CoVID in two different ways. First, vaccines reduce the risk of developing any symptoms 8-10 fold, and second, they can cut down the chance of an infection becoming Long COVID. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, we are finding that infections following two vaccinations are much less severe. This is a clear indication that vaccines are changing the disease. We encourage people to get their second jab as soon possible.
Sajid Javid, Health and Social Care Secretary said that COVID-19 vaccines had saved more than 105,000 lives and prevented more than 24 million infections in England. These findings are encouraging and suggest that vaccines can not only prevent deaths, but also could help to reduce some of the more severe symptoms.
"We have spent 50 million on research to better understand the long-term effects of COVID. Over 80 COVID assessment services were opened in England as part a 100 million expansion in care for people who are suffering from the effects.
"It is evident that vaccines are creating a wall against the virus and are best to protect people from serious illnesses. Everyone who is eligible should get their jabs as soon as possible.
