Such protection declines within months of the mRNA COVID vaccines’ third dose. Yet the vaccines continue to ward off severe disease
The Omicron subvariant BA.2 is replacing its sister version, BA.1, as the dominant form of SARS-CoV-2 in many countries, which has led scientists to wonder whether the COVID-19 pandemic is about to throw these regions into disarray yet again. But a study published on 13 March shows that mRNA vaccines offer a similar degree of protection against the two strains—although protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic disease wanes within months of a third dose.
Abu-Raddad and his colleagues performed a massive observational study using vaccination records and SARS-CoV-2 test results from Qatar’s health-care system. They found that Qatari residents who received two doses of either the Pfizer–BioNTech or Moderna mRNA-based vaccine enjoyed several months of substantial protection against symptomatic disease caused by either BA.1 or BA.2.
The researchers also analysed the degree of protection that mRNA vaccines offer against severe disease, but to do so they had to pool the data on BA.1 and BA.2 cases—a measure that was necessary because Qatar’s population is strongly skewed towards young people, making severe COVID-19 cases rare. Only after pooling did the researchers have enough cases to achieve meaningful results.
Promising results In an e-mail to Nature, virologist Andrew Pekosz at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, wrote that, overall, the work is “a very sound study. Qatar has been at the lead when it comes to reporting data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in a very rapid manner.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Koch Industries' Campaign Donations Questioned After Company's Decision to Remain in RussiaLawmakers are facing scrutiny for seeing support from Koch Industries as the company remains in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »
Here's a look at daily life for Ukrainians who remain in LvivUS officials confirmed to CNN that Russia launched hypersonic missiles against Ukraine last week, the first known use of such missiles in combat. Follow here for live news updates.
Read more »
AUD/USD Price Analysis: Bulls remain hopeful despite recent weakness around 0.7400AUD/USD Price Analysis: Bulls remain hopeful despite recent weakness around 0.7400 By anilpanchal7 AUDUSD Technical Analysis ChartPatterns SwingTrading SupportResistance
Read more »
Zelensky Criticizes Israel’s Efforts to Remain NeutralUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Israel’s refusal to send military aid and disparaged Israeli mediation efforts: “I want to point out that indifference kills. You can mediate between countries, but not between good and evil.'
Read more »
Delvine Meringor, John Korir win LA Marathon; some street closures remain in effectKenyans John Korir and Delvine Meringor won the 37th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon, with Meringor winning an added $10,000 bonus for beating Korir to the finish line.
Read more »
Sharks beat Coyotes, remain in listen-only mode ahead of NHL trade deadlineNHL trade deadline: San Jose Sharks were idle Sunday, as they beat the Arizona Coyotes at SAP Center
Read more »