UK Researchers: "Booster Shot Provides 75% Protection Against Omicron Infection"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The UK health authorities have released research findings indicating that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot can provide 75% effectiveness in preventing infection from the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

According to the UK BBC and the daily newspaper The Guardian, the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) analyzed data from 581 Omicron variant cases and thousands of Delta variant cases to estimate vaccine effectiveness.

The HSA stated that the study showed people who completed their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine more than 25 weeks ago had only 40% effectiveness against the Delta variant and less than 10% against the Omicron variant. Additionally, those who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine more than 25 weeks ago retained 60% effectiveness against Delta and 40% against Omicron.

However, the results showed that receiving a booster shot increased the probability of protection against the Omicron variant to 70-75%. The HSA also explained that although protection against the Delta or Omicron variants decreases for those who have had two vaccine doses, the vaccines still remain highly effective in preventing severe illness.

Dr. Mary Ramsay, head of immunization at the HSA, said, "Initial estimates should be treated cautiously, but it is clear that the risk of contracting the Omicron variant increases several months after the second dose." She added, "Vaccines are still effective in preventing COVID-19 complications, so if you have not yet been vaccinated, you should book your appointment immediately."

Furthermore, The Guardian reported that the HSA expressed the need for stronger additional measures as COVID-19 cases have surged recently. On the 10th alone, 58,194 new cases were reported in the UK, the highest since January 9. Additionally, 448 new Omicron variant cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 1,265.

The HSA estimated that the daily number of Omicron variant infections in the UK is doubling every 2-3 days, and by mid-month, more than half of daily new cases will be due to the Omicron variant. This means that from mid-month, Omicron will become the dominant COVID-19 strain in the UK. If the current trend continues, daily Omicron cases could exceed 100,000 by the end of the year.

Although the Omicron variant is known to cause milder illness compared to other variants, a sudden surge in cases could overwhelm healthcare facilities. According to The Guardian, the HSA predicted that even if the hospitalization rate for Omicron cases is only 0.5%, the number of hospital admissions will surge, necessitating "nationally strong measures" by the 18th of this month.

Therefore, despite the 'Plan B' measures such as mandatory mask-wearing that began this week, The Guardian reported that the HSA believes stronger 'Plan C' measures, such as lockdowns, will be necessary if the current trend continues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.