A coronavirus infection gives people who then go on to have two shots of vaccine improved protection, new research suggests.
Past Covid infection, together with being fully vaccinated, increases an individual’s protection against the virus to as much as 94 per cent, according to the Zoe Covid study.
The research found two doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca provided 71 per cent protection against infection up to six months after vaccination, while protection was increased to 90 per cent among those who previously tested positive for the virus.
While two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine gave 80 per cent protection up to six months after vaccination, that increased to 94 per cent with a previous infection.
Professor Tim Spector, of Kings College London, a lead scientist on the Zoe Covid study, said: “Regardless of which vaccine is administered, this latest research shows that having a natural Covid-19 infection before double vaccination does mean greater protection.
“This is really positive news for overall immunity levels in the UK and means that large numbers of people will have effective and long-lasting protection from Covid-19.
“This is also strong evidence to support the need for vaccination, even for those who have already had Covid-19.”
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Abu Dhabi residents take the underpass in front of Al Wahda Mall. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has advised people to wear a mask when outside, whether they are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or not. Victor Besa / The National -
People follow the mask-wearing advice. Victor Besa / The National -
An Abu Dhabi resident orders tea near Al Wahda Mall. The public is following government advice to help keep infections down. Victor Besa / The National -
Masked residents protect themselves and others as they take the underpass at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National -
Face masks are available at a tailoring shop in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Face masks are worn crossing the road. Victor Besa / The National -
The UAE has had a successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Victor Besa / The National -
Staff members of INAYA, the facilities management company, wearing protective face masks in International City in Dubai. Only two entrances are open for vehicles coming from Al Awir road before the Dragon Mart 1 and Manama Street to International City in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
People wearing face masks in International City, Dubai. The UAE government has also advised residents to wear gloves all the times outdoors. Pawan Singh / The National -
More people in the streets in Satwa. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Sunset at the Corniche. Public beaches around Abu Dhabi are reopening gradually as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Victor Besa / The National -
Although Covid-19 restrictions are being eased, many safety measures remain in place. Victor Besa / The National
Drawing on more than 1.2 million test results, the analysis found that a previous infection without vaccination gave 65 per cent protection.
Researchers said this suggested that on average vaccination provides better protection, and the addition of vaccination significantly increases protection.
The study also found that protection from a previous infection alone did not wane for up to 450 days after being infected – independent of vaccination status.
This is unlike vaccine protection, which the Zoe study has previously found starts to wane after three months.
According to the researchers, this suggests people who have had two doses on top of a previous infection are likely to maintain higher levels of protection from Covid-19 for longer than those who were not infected prior to their vaccination.
The study used data from vaccines which were logged from December 8 last year to July 31 this year and from infections which occurred between May 26 this year, when the Delta variant became dominant, and July 31 this year.
“When it comes to a booster jab, it’s my opinion that if you’re not in one of the eligible groups for a booster yet, but have a previous infection and two vaccines, you shouldn’t be too worried as your protection will be very high," Prof Spector said.
“It’s likely that there will be high levels of uptake in those who are double vaccinated and are invited for a booster, so it’s more important we focus on those who remain unvaccinated, which is still too high, and we are quickly falling behind the rest of Europe.”
