Filenews 27 May 2021
The findings of two new studies on the possibility of prolonged immunity to the coronavirus are promising, as the lifting of restrictive measures in many countries around the world raises concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
Studies published in BioRxiv and the journal Nature, show that immunity to coronavirus can last years and is enhanced after vaccinations. The key findings suggest that individuals infected with coronavirus and subsequently vaccinated will probably not need a booster dose later as protection against variants, because they continue to develop their anti-body.
However, those who did the vaccine but were never diagnosed positive for coronavirus may need a booster dose. Both studies looked at people infected with SARS-CoV-2 about a year ago, and one of them discovered that certain cells store the genetic information of the coronavirus in the bone marrow until it is needed in the battle against infection. The other study, which is still being evaluated, suggests that the aforementioned B memory cells are strengthened for at least another 12 months after the initial infection. "The studies are consistent with the growing literature, which suggests that immunity against SARS-CoV-2, caused through infection and vaccination, appears to be long-term," University of Pennsylvania researcher Scott Hensley, who was not involved in these studies, tells the New York Times.
