Covid19 vaccines have saved millions of lives and succeeded in a feat that seemed unthinkable two years ago: to make Covid19 a manageable disease. It is estimated that the AstraZeneca vaccine alone, which we recall has not been in use in Europe for several months, has saved more than six million lives while mRNA vaccines are estimated to have saved more than 20 million in the first year of use alone. In short, it is not necessary to explain how much vaccines have been and are fundamental for the management of the Covid19 pandemic.
But are they still fundamental today?
Absolutely yes.
We have learned that immunity against Covid19 is not eternal, mainly because the SARS-CoV2 virus is constantly mutating by continuously seeking ways to circumvent our immunity.
Covid, Omicron and variants: what should we expect
by Aureliano Stingi
We also know that the immune system, like any other system or organ in our body, deteriorates over time and tends to function less and less efficiently. The drop in antibodies and the high number of Sars-CoV2 mutations are the reason why we received a third dose, in order to generate a robust antibody response lasting over time.
Today most of the population received the third dose of the vaccine more than six months ago and we know that after about six months the antibody titer starts to drop, making the subjects more exposed to symptomatic disease.
It should be remembered that the management of Covid19 is not entrusted only to antibodies but also to T lymphocytes, which strongly contribute to the fight against severe disease and death. Fortunately, T cells remain in circulation for longer than antibodies and are also less susceptible to mutations in the virus. The Covid19 vaccine stimulates large amounts of neutralizing antibodies and T lymphocytes.
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Today, therefore, millions of citizens, mainly the elderly (as they have started vaccination by age group) are found with fewer antibodies and potentially more exposed to the serious consequences of Covid19.
As can be seen from the graph, the power of the immune response decreases over time but decreases at different rates between the elderly and the young, furthermore the response in the elderly tends to be less powerful than that of the young.
(The diagram is for illustrative purposes only)
Who can be vaccinated?
After the EMA decision, the Italian Medicines Agency has opened the possibility to book and carry out the fourth dose or second booster to all subjects over 60 years of age and to all frail subjects over 12 years who have received the third dose or have been cured for at least 120 days. Obviously this decision was taken after analyzing the data on infections and hospitalizations and also due to the very high circulation of the new Omicron variants.
For now, the EMA and the other agencies have not expressed their opinion on the possibility of vaccinating other age groups (under 60) where, however, the protection from symptomatic and severe disease should potentially last longer.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE:
- Vaccines have saved millions of lives and made Covid19 a manageable disease
- The vaccine stimulates large amounts of antibodies and T lymphocytes, both of which are essential for managing Covid19
- Despite the mutations of the new Omicron variants, the vaccine is essential to avoid serious forms of the disease
- people over 60 years old should consider a second booster / fourth dose as they may be more exposed to the risks of Covid19
REF:
https://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/renderNormsanPdf?anno=2022&codLeg=88043&parte=1%20&serie=null
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-saved-nearly-20-million-lives-in-a-year-study-says/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-13/astra-s-covid-vaccine-saved-over-six-million-lives-in-first-year#xj4y7vzkg
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-017-0006-x
Aureliano Stingi, doctor in molecular biology, works in the field of precision oncology. He collaborates with the World Health Organization in the battle against Covid19-themed fake news
Instagram: Aureliano _Stingi