High levels of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 may reduce or overcome the protection that vaccination and prior infection provides, according to a new study by researchers from Yale University, the University of Florida, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.
The findings, published Aug. 19 in Nature Communications, suggest that in densely crowded settings, control measures that reduce levels of exposure to the virus — such as masking, improved ventilation, and distancing — may afford additional benefit in preventing new infections among people who have been vaccinated or previously infected.
Dr. Byron Kennedy, chief medical officer for the Connecticut Department of Correction and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Public Health, added, "We had a unique opportunity to answer this question because the Department of Correction had mounted an intensive COVID-19 testing program and we were identifying and isolating infected individuals."
Specifically, during the Delta wave, vaccination was 68% effective at preventing infection in residents without a documented exposure but was just 26% effective in residents with exposure to an infected cellmate. A previous infection was 79% effective in preventing infection in residents without a documented exposure but was 41% effective when a resident was exposed to an infected person in their cell.
"This research is the first study, as far as we are aware, that provides real-world evidence for the exposure-dependent or 'leaky' nature of the immunity afforded by vaccination and infection," Lind said.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
High levels of exposure to COVID-19 virus may reduce protection provided by vaccination and prior infectionHigh levels of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 may reduce or overcome the protection that vaccination and prior infection provides, according to a new study by researchers from Yale University, the University of Florida, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.
Read more »
Analysis finds COVID-19 may trigger new-onset high blood pressureAn analysis of electronic medical records for more than 45,000 people found that COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with the development of high blood pressure, according to new research published in Hypertension.
Read more »
'Alarming' study finds Covid infections linked to high blood pressureThe study followed more than 45,000 people.
Read more »
COVID-19 infection linked to increased risk of high blood pressureAn analysis of electronic medical records for more than 45,000 people found that COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with the development of high blood pressure, according to new research published today in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal.
Read more »
York: University's 'critical' work to protect endangered tansy beetlesSixty vulnerable tansy beetles have been added to an 'ark' habitat at York St John University.
Read more »
29 unexpected things to pack for your first year at universityYou need to add these unusual items to your first-year university checklist. Trust us, you won't be able to live without them. Read on heat.
Read more »