'Double-jabbed over-65s three times less likely to catch Covid'

Infection rates for double vaccinated under-65s are three times lower than in unvaccinated under-65s despite infection rates quadrupling since last month, says a study, suggesting the impact of the vaccination roll out in the country.

According to the latest report of REACT-1, claimed to be one of the country’s largest studies into Covid-19 infections in England, published on Thursday (8) by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI, double-jabbed over-65 Britons are found to be three times more protected that unvaccinated people in the same age group.

Infections in England have increased fourfold from 0.15 per cent to 0.59 per cent since the last REACT-1 report which covered May 20 to June 7, the latest data shows, adding that there is a continued exponential growth in prevalence with an average doubling time of 15 days.

While infections have increased in all regions, London has the largest increase, where prevalence has increased more than eight-fold from 0.13 per cent to 1.08 per cent, the report states.

The report also mentions that there have been substantial increases in all age groups under the age of 75 years, and especially at younger ages, with the highest prevalence for 13 to 17 years at 1.33 per cent and 18 to 24 years at 1.4 per cent.

Health and social care secretary Sajid Javid said: “As we unlock society and learn to live with Covid-19, we will inevitably see cases rise significantly over coming weeks. But today’s findings show that infection rates are three times lower for those who have had two vaccine doses.” 

“As we move from regulations to guidance and get back to our everyday lives, see our loved ones and return to work, it is vital people practice good sense and take personal responsibility for their own health and those around them.”

Urging everyone to get vaccinated, Covid-19 vaccine deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the vaccination roll out is having a significant impact on stopping the spread of the virus. Almost two thirds of adults – 64 per cent – have had both doses, and so have got the fullest protection on offer."

The latest data from Public Health England (PHE) also shows that our vaccination programme has saved about 27,000 lives and has prevented more than seven million people from getting Covid-19.

The UK government has confirmed that the last step of the roadmap out of lockdown will go ahead on July 19, under which face coverings will no longer be mandatory indoors although guidance will suggest where people might choose to wear one.