Imperial College London research finds Omicron not boosting protection against reinfection
New research reveals fresh details about what happens to triple vaccinated people who are infected with Omicron.
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New research has found people who caught Covid in the first wave of the pandemic get no boost to their immunity if they catch Omicron.
A study of triple vaccinated people looked at how infections from different Covid strains affected people’s immune response, to help inform future vaccine development.
While three doses of the Covid jab help to reduce the severity of the illness from Omicron, previous infections can affect how the body responds, researchers say.
Imperial College London Professor Rosemary Boyton, who is a co-author of the study, said “if you were infected during the first wave, then you can’t boost your immune response if you have an Omicron infection”.
The study also found that being infected with Omicron did not boost protection against that strain.
“When Omicron started flying around the country, people kept saying that’s OK, that will improve people’s immunity. What we’re saying is it’s not a good booster of immunity,” Prof Boyton told The Guardian.
The study followed 731 triple vaccinated healthcare workers in the UK from March 2020 to January 2022. Each person had a different Covid infection history.
Researchers found that regardless of previous infections, immunity against Omicron waned a few weeks after third Covid jab.
They also found those who caught Omicron did have increased protection from other variants but it only offered a limited boost of protection from another Omicron infection. But in those who had the original strain of the virus - the response was weaker.
The team said those who caught Covid in the first wave of the pandemic did not gain a boost to their immune response after catching Omicron.
This study has raised concerns about what the future holds, with these findings suggesting people are not building up their immunity against the virus.
“We’re not getting herd immunity, we’re not building up protective immunity to Omicron,” study co-author Professor Danny Altmann said, reported The Guardian.
“So we face not coming out the other end of infections and re-infections and breakthrough infections.”
COVID STRIKES HUGH JACKMAN AGAIN
Actor Hugh Jackman has tested positive for Covid for the third time, after performing at the Tony Awards in New York City.
Jackman’s positive Covid result came less than 24 hours after he and co-star Sutton Foster and the ensemble cast of The Music Man performed a set at Radio City Music Hall for the 75th Tony Awards.
The Wolverine star took to social media to share the news, explaining that Max Clayton will take over his role in The Music Man while he recovers.
He also thanked all those who are understudies for their work and helping the show go on.
I’ve frustratingly tested positive for Covid. Again. My standby, the amazingly talented Max Clayton will step in for me. Maxi and all the standbys, swings  and understudies around the world, you are the true heroes of theater. You give life to the saying “the show must go onâ€. pic.twitter.com/GpwtreWqX0
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) June 13, 2022
The Aussie actor had previously missed performances of the musical due to Covid. Over the Christmas period when Jackman contracted the virus for the second time some shows had to be cancelled.
It is understood Jackson will return to the stage mid next week.
THE ROLLING STONES TOUR IN DOUBT
The Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has tested positive to Covid-19, forcing the band to cancel its Amsterdam performance.
The 78-year-old developed symptoms shortly after arriving at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, just hours before he was set to be on stage on Monday.
The Amsterdam concert is one of 14 shows across 10 European countries the band has lined up as part of its Sixty tour.
The band, which also features guitarist Keith Richards, 78, and Ronnie Wood, 75, is without their longstanding drummer Charlie Watts, who died in August last year, aged 80. Steve Jordan, 65, stepped up in lieu of Watts for this tour.
The band was due to perform in Switzerland on Friday and Milan next Tuesday, before an appearance at Hyde Park in London on June 25. It is unclear if these dates will go ahead.
“The Rolling Stones have been forced to call off tonight’s concert in Amsterdam at the John Cruijff ArenA, following Mick Jagger testing positive after experiencing symptoms of Covid upon arrival at the stadium,” a statement on behalf of the band said.
“The Rolling Stones are deeply sorry for tonight’s postponement, but the safety of the audience, fellow musicians and the touring crew has to take priority.
“The show will be rescheduled for a later date. Tickets for tonight’s show will be honoured for the rescheduled date. Standby for details.”
The rock legend also took to Twitter to apologise to his fans.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) June 13, 2022
TRUDEAU COVID POSITIVE AFTER BIDEN MEETING
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tested positive for Covid-19, just day after meeting with US President Joe Biden.
The Canadian leader took to Twitter to share his Covid news and encouraged people to get vaccinated.
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. I’ll be following public health guidelines and isolating. I feel okay, but that’s because I got my shots. So, if you haven’t, get vaccinated - and if you can, get boosted. Let’s protect our healthcare system, each other, and ourselves.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 13, 2022
The pair discussed the Russian’s invasion of Ukraine and “join efforts to make our supply chains and economies more resilient to external shocks”, the White House said.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becarra, who attended the same summit, has also tested positive for the virus.
It is unknown if Mr Biden has reported any symptoms.
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