A latest antibody surveillance report shows almost 100 per cent of people tested positive for antibodies 14 days after taking the second dose of a Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine.
Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI conducted the study over 207,337 participants across England using a finger prick test between May 12 and May 25, 2021, tracking Covid-19 antibodies following either natural infection or vaccination.
Following one dose of either vaccine, the proportion of people testing positive for antibodies peaked at 4-5 weeks and then started to decline before rising substantially in those who had a second dose. The findings emphasise the need for everyone to get both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to receive the best chance of protection against the virus as restrictions are lifted.
Over 90 per cent of people aged over 65 tested positive for antibodies, rising to 95 per cent in those aged over 75 with 36 per cent of 18-24 year-olds also had anti-bodies. At the time of the report, a quarter of respondents aged 18-24 said they had received one or two jabs compared to 99 per cent of those aged over 75.
The government’s vaccination programme has ramped up significantly since this report took place. Over half of young people aged 18 to 24 in England have now received a first dose, just a few weeks after the programme was opened to this age group, and second doses have been accelerated for all over 18s by reducing the dosing interval from 12 weeks to 8 weeks.
The government is on track to offer every adult a first dose of the vaccine by 19 July and has already given two doses to two thirds of all adults.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said: “Every vaccine is another brick in our wall of protection and I’m incredibly pleased that the latest data from REACT shows almost 100% of people tested positive for antibodies after their second dose of the vaccine.
“This is a testament to the very high level of protection the vaccine provides – with 46,000 hospitalisations prevented and 30,000 lives saved.
“I urge everyone to come forward for the vaccine, regardless of your race, religion or background. It could save your life and protect your loved ones, and getting the second jab will help us all return to doing the things we love.”
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “It is incredibly reassuring to see nearly every single person who took part in the REACT study developed detectable antibodies following two doses of the vaccine. It goes to show once again how two doses are vital for the best possible protection.
“Our vaccination programme is working and is severely weakening the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths. We are continuing to make strong progress in boosting uptake for people living in deprived areas, as well as black and minority ethnic communities by working closely with faith and local leaders.
“As we lift restrictions next week, I urge anyone who has yet to be vaccinated to get both jabs to protect yourselves and your loved ones. Vaccines are safe and have so far prevented around 8 million infections, over 46,000 hospitalisations and around 30,000 deaths.”
Professor Helen Ward, Professor of public health at Imperial College London, said: “Results of this very large study show the substantial impact of the vaccination programme on antibody positivity in adults. However, coverage of vaccines is uneven with people in some groups and areas less likely to have been vaccinated. It is concerning that people on low incomes, in deprived areas, some minority ethnic groups and in some public facing occupations such as hospitality, may remain relatively unprotected from future spread. We need to continue and intensify efforts to reach these groups with vaccination, and to ensure other protective measures are in place.”
In total, 34,997,491 million people in the UK have now received both doses of vaccine, and the government remains on track to offer a first dose to all over 18-year-olds by July 19.
