Covid-19 immunity could lower risk of another pandemic, study claims
The Independent • • health
Key Points:
- Scientists from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research found that global immunity developed against Covid-19 also provides protection against a broader group of related viruses called sarbecoviruses, potentially reducing the risk of future coronavirus pandemics.
- The study suggests that immunity from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination creates a "biological barrier" that could slow or prevent the emergence of new sarbecoviruses, including unknown ones.
- Researchers emphasize that existing Covid-19 vaccines may be effective against new sarbecoviruses, such as a hypothetical "SARS-CoV-X," especially if vaccination campaigns begin promptly after the first cases appear.
- Mathematical modeling indicates that delays in deploying vaccines against emerging sarbecoviruses would reduce their effectiveness in preventing sustained transmission.
- The findings, published in Nature Communications, highlight the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts and were supported by UK research councils MRC and BBSRC.
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