"Why Is Omicron Less Severe? Research Shows It's Due to Vaccine-Induced Immunity"

Vaccination. /Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A study has found that the reason for the lower severity of the COVID-19 variant Omicron is "likely because more people have been vaccinated and developed immunity compared to the early COVID-19 pandemic."

According to a report by the Boston Herald, William Hanage, Associate Professor of Infectious Disease at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, stated, "Since Omicron is not inherently mild, it is important for those who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated and receive booster shots."

The study was conducted jointly by Professor Hanage and Robbie Bhattacharya, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Since Omicron spread throughout South Africa at the end of November last year, reports have indicated that hospitalization and mortality rates among infected individuals have been low, with mostly mild symptoms reported.

The researchers analyzed that prior to the emergence of Omicron in the fall of last year, the majority of South Africa’s population had already acquired some level of immunity through vaccination or previous infection, which resulted in milder symptoms after contracting Omicron.

They also noted that Omicron’s ability to cause breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals and reinfections in those previously recovered may have been a key factor in the predominance of mild symptoms.

South Africa’s relatively young population, which tends to have stronger immunity, may have also contributed to this outcome.

Todd Ellerin, Head of Infectious Diseases at South Shore Hospital, explained, "If Omicron’s mildness is related to immune populations, the future is encouraging," adding, "It is necessary to vaccinate people and administer boosters more."

He further emphasized, "To prepare as much as possible for the next variant, it is essential to get vaccinated and boosted to the fullest extent."

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