New data shows that two subvariants of the Omicron variant are able to evade antibodies in people who have previously contracted the coronavirus or received full vaccination. According to CNN, new data published by a health center at Harvard University indicates that the vaccine still provides significant protection against severe illness caused by coronavirus infection.
The study revealed that the levels of neutralizing antibodies (the most effective antibodies) in individuals who had previously contracted COVID-19 or received full vaccination decreased several times in response to the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants compared to the original strain. Dan Barouch, the lead researcher in the study, noted that they observed a threefold reduction in antibody levels produced by vaccines or infections against BA.4 and BA.5 compared to BA.1 and BA.2. He explained that the antibodies responding to these new subvariants are significantly lower than those that encountered the original variants of the virus.
He continued, stating, "The study data shows that the subvariants of Omicron could lead to an increase in infections among those with high levels of immunity from vaccines as well as natural immunity." However, he emphasized that the vaccines will provide strong protection against severe infections caused by these two subvariants.
