A major study conducted by Israeli researchers into natural immunity has found that immunity acquired via infection from Covid-19 is superior to immunity from the Pfizer vaccine.
Researchers at Maccabi Healthcare and Tel Aviv University compared the outcomes of over 76,000 Israelis in three groups: the doubly vaccinated (with the Pfizer vaccine), the previously infected but unvaccinated, and the previously infected with only a single vaccine dose.
They found that fully vaccinated but uninfected people were significantly more likely to have a “breakthrough” Covid infection than people who had previously been infected and recovered from the disease.
“This study demonstrated that natural immunity confers longer lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalisation caused by the Delta variant,” the authors conclude.
The study is only published as a preprint at this stage and has not been peer reviewed. Critics including British immunologist Andrew Croxford have pointed out potential limitations, but it has been described by infectious diseases expert Professor Francois Balloux as a “bombshell” development.
If the findings are confirmed, the implications for global Covid policy will be profound.
Correct, I have stated that it is a Pre-Print and all 'medRxiv' papers are as such. It is not nor is suggesting to not have the vaccine if you have been previously infected.
From memory people are still immune to the SARs virus 17 years later. So in reality it is not a suprise if the findings are confirmed by review. Sadly in order to gain natural immunity you need to survive so I cannot see any change in vaccine policy except that those with natural immunity my not need a booster etc. However we are only eighteen months into the Pandemic and we do not know if the immunity will be as long lasting as the 2003 virus.
I suppose it’s to be expected that our natural immunity would surpass a vaccine, but I wouldn’t fancy my chances with a covid infection so I won’t be testing the theory! I do hope a booster programme is decided on soon as I already have an appointment for my flu jab
All I can say is that I lead a little bit of a charmed or risky life, Sharon could bring the Delta variant back home from work or even shopping at any time. She was sent home, ill with it, in April 2020 and promptly gave it to me, despite me sleeping on the settee, it was probably the Wuhan strain or the very first mutation that ripped through Europe at the time. Since that infection we have been Covid free, all through the Alpha (Kent) variant pandemic, when Sharon was in contact with it at the nursing home, daily. We then both had the AZ/Oxford vaccine earlier this the year and so far, touch wood, clear with the Delta (Indian) although the nursing home has been virus free so far from the Delta variant but she still goes out shopping and we have had workmen indoors.
I hope I have not spoken too soon, but so far so good, or the Gods have been smiling down on me, I cannot say anymore.
regardless of the efficacy of the vaccine I do wish more emphasis was placed on helping people build up their immune systems through teaching what is essential in the way of food/ exercise/avoiding unnecessary toxins etc and making it possible for everyone to access quality affordable food.Why the powers that be never want to make people participants in their health beggars belief.( Well it doesnt actually -it's quite obvious why we are meant to be helpless in dealing with our health..)
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