South African research continues to advance our understanding of Omicron, where the first known outbreak occurred. Although insufficient time has elapsed for accumulation of solid data. Bloomberg posted December 11, 2021 Pfizer is ‘strong enough to curb severe disease’. But the likelihood of two shots preventing symptomatic infection is down to ‘just 22.5%’,
Additional Data Now Available from Earlier Small Study
The small South African study we reported earlier involved 12 Omicron patients in their fifties. Six were male and 6 female. But only half of them had Pfizer vaccinations. This was therefore a small, unrepresentative study requiring further research.
The South African scientists analyzed blood samples from those patients. They concluded vaccinated ones had partial, but incomplete protection from Omicron variant. They have now released further information.
The additional data from Africa Health Research Institute in Durban reports a ‘41-fold reduction in levels of neutralizing antibodies’. This is when compared to the original strain first found in China two years ago.
However Pfizer Is Strong Enough to Curb Severe Disease
Mail Online confirmed this impression the same day. Empirical evidence from South Africa suggests T-cell immunity among the people may already be slowing the surge, and keeping hospitalization rates low. This reinforces the impression South Africa’s preferred Pfizer vaccine may be strong enough to curb severe disease.
Scientists from University of Cape Town previously researched Beta variant in depth in the context of T-cells that fight infection. They found these still retained 85% of ability to ‘prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death’.
‘It’s critical for people to understand that vaccines are still providing protection against severe COVID-19 disease,’ they noted. ‘So they’re doing their job against the variants, and likely will do so against future variants too.’
So What Are the Most Likely Omicron Symptoms?
These are early days and data is incomplete. However, CNBC News was able to report the following December 10, 2021 regarding the first U.S. infections:
1… Only one vaccinated patient went to hospital, and just for 2 days.
2… 58% of infected people were between 18 and 39 years of age.
3… 79% had full vaccinations at least 14 days before onset, or tests.
4… Cough, fatigue and congestion, or runny nose occurred most often.
We shall continue following developments with interest, and reporting back.
Breaking News
Virus Genome Sequencing Monitoring Variants
Glaxo Sotrovimab Medicine Works on Omicron
Preview Image: Slowing Spread of Omicron Variant
