A new study, published Wednesday in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, has found that double vaccination cuts the risk of long COVID by nearly 50%, according to Science Daily.
Researchers at King’s College London (KCL) found that adults who received a double vaccination are 49% less likely to have Long COVID if they contract a coronavirus infection.
They found that the risk of long COVID was reduced by nearly 50% in the unlikely event of catching the virus after getting vaccinated twice.
The study also found fewer hospitalizations and a lower burden of acute symptoms among people who were fully vaccinated. And the nature of the most common symptoms was similar to unvaccinated adults, such as anosmia (loss of smell), cough, fever, headaches, and fatigue. The symptoms were milder and less frequently reported by people who were vaccinated.
However, the researchers found that people in the most deprived areas were at greater risk of catching the infection after a single vaccination.
The study findings suggest the need to target people who are at risk, especially people with a weakened immune system and with comorbidities.
Considering the findings, the researchers said we need strategies such as a timely booster program, targeted infection control measures, and more research into the immune response to vaccination, per Science Daily.
Lead researcher Dr. Claire Steves of KCL said, “In terms of the burden of Long COVID, it’s good news that our research has found that having a double vaccination significantly reduces the risk of both catching the virus and if you do, developing long-standing symptoms.”
“However, among our frail, older adults and those living in deprived areas the risk is still significant and they should be urgently prioritized for second and booster vaccinations,” she added.
Lead investigator Prof. Tim Spector of KCL said, “Vaccinations are massively reducing the chances of people getting Long COVID in two ways. Firstly, by reducing the risk of any symptoms by 8 to 10 fold and then by halving the chances of any infection turning into Long COVID if it does happen.”
“Whatever the duration of symptoms we are seeing that infections after two vaccinations are also much milder, so vaccines are really changing the disease and for the better,” he added. “We are encouraging people to get their 2nd jab as soon as they can.”
Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said, “COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 105,000 lives and prevented over 24 million infections in England alone. This research is encouraging, suggesting vaccines are not only preventing deaths but could also help prevent some of the longer-lasting symptoms.”
“We have invested £50 million in research to better understand the lasting effects of COVID and over 80 long COVID assessment services have opened across England as part of a £100 million expansion of care for those suffering the effects.”
“It is clear vaccines are building a wall of defense against the virus and are the best way to protect people from serious illness,” he added. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible.”
