Fwd: New research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines

Friday, April 2, 2021

Fwd: New research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines

From: State of Utah COVID-19 Response <coronavirus@utah.gov>

Date: Fri, Apr 2, 2021 at 2:29 PM
Subject: New research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines protect against spread of the disease

Many people wonder if the COVID-19 vaccine is effective against spread of the virus (also called transmission). Initially, this was something we weren't sure about. The vaccines are extremely effective at preventing vaccinated people from getting sick. But do the vaccines keep a person from spreading the virus to others?

New research shows strong evidence that the answer is yes! Earlier this week, the CDC released the results of a study that shows the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) reduce the risk of spread. The vaccines were also effective at preventing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. This is fantastic news because it helps answer the question the original clinical trials weren't designed to…. If the vaccines are not only effective against COVID-19 disease but also effective in preventing infection, including infections that didn't result in symptoms.

New: COVID-19 vaccines provide a stronger immune response than natural infection

It may seem like natural immunity to COVID-19 is better than getting a vaccine. In fact, some people who've already been infected with COVID-19 wonder if they need the vaccine.

Actually, COVID-19 vaccines produce stronger and more consistent antibody responses than natural infection. According to the medical journals and immunology experts cited by @ThoseNerdyGirls, a volunteer team of female PhDs, MDs, and DOs who study and share COVID-19 research:

"In fact, a single dose of vaccine after a COVID-19 infection provides a turbo-boost of immunity, which is in many cases higher than the immune response for never infected individuals after two doses of the vaccine.

"There are still many unknowns about natural immunity to [COVID-19] including how long it lasts. We do know that natural immunity is highly variable among people-for many it is high and durable, but some people produce low levels of antibodies that quickly fall below detectable levels.

"COVID-19 vaccines are producing stronger and more consistent antibody responses, which is why vaccination is still recommended for those with previous infection."

Read the original blog post and find links to supporting evidence.

New: Vaccines likely protect against the new COVID-19 variants

Just one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine significantly raises antibodies, which could neutralize new variants. Last week, the Journal of American Medical Association published data that shows vaccinated individuals neutralize COVID-19 variants better than people with natural antibodies.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) research also suggests that COVID-19 vaccines respond to variants. While larger studies are needed, researchers note that vaccinated people are likely not affected by these three variants, and vaccines should offer protection against emerging variants.

Get your second dose!

While research shows you get a boost of antibodies following the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, it's important to get your second dose. KSL's Graham Dudley interviewed local doctors who gave three reasons why the second dose is critical:

Long-lasting protection
Preventing spread of the disease
Better response to mutations (variants) of the virus

If you've had one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, be sure to get your second dose. Of course, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose. To find out which vaccine you received, check your immunization card. Regardless of which vaccine you get, be cautious until two weeks after your final dose, when peak immunity is expected.

Read Dudley's full article here.

Note to Subscribers:
In a previous email, we stated that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was given emergency use authorization (EUA) and "approved" by the FDA. The Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for emergency use in the United States, but some readers are concerned about the use of the term "approved." EUA is designed to make medicine available during an emergency. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, even though they were developed quickly. No steps were skipped in developing COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists around the world have been working on this technology for more than a decade and worked together in unprecedented ways to share research findings. This is why it was possible to make not one, but three safe and effective vaccines available very quickly. The EUA and COVID-19 vaccine development process are explained by the FDA here.

We're all in this together. We recommend everyone keep practicing the health behaviors we know reduce the spread of COVID-19: wear a mask around anyone you don't live with, wash your hands often for 20 seconds, keep at least 6 feet apart from people you don't live with, and stay home if you're sick.