If we’re ever to return to some semblance of normality, then the world’s inhabitants must be resistant to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However with so many various vaccines in manufacturing, questions are undoubtedly going to be raised, resembling can I nonetheless have a vaccine if I’ve been concerned in a trial testing different variations? And, what if I’ve already had COVID – do I nonetheless want a vaccine?

A primary understanding of immunology can reply all these questions. All COVID vaccines attempt to generate an immune response to proteins the virus must enter your cells. Whether or not that is through the use of a innocent virus carrying the protein that mimics SARS-CoV-2 however doesn’t replicate, or through the use of the genetic code for these proteins (a messenger RNA), the end result is identical. The protein important to stopping SARS-CoV-2 is displayed, recognised by the immune system, and the physique produces antibodies and T cells which are then able to cease future an infection.

Is it OK to have a special second dose?

A booster vaccination enhances the standard of the immune response and sends a reminder concerning the virus. It doesn’t matter if the vaccine used to prime the immune system is completely different from the one used to spice up, so long as they each include the important viral protein.

A booster shot is sort of a reminder to your immune system to be looking out for a specific bug.

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Booster vaccinations are frequent, and the time interval between them varies. For instance, a booster for tetanus is suggested each ten years whereas vaccines for hepatitis A or measles are one-shot wonders – a booster will not be wanted.

Solely by learning the immune response in individuals who have been vaccinated, will we have the ability to inform when and if additional booster vaccinations are wanted. This can be decided by measuring SARS-CoV-2 particular antibody and T cell responses in a pattern of blood. It’s doable that sure teams, resembling older folks, may want a special booster technique – and it will take time to work out.

What if I’ve already had a trial vaccine?

Should you’ve taken half in a COVID vaccine trial, it might offer you a head begin on the prime/increase method, and you can attain the required immunity threshold faster. Alternatively, your trial vaccination might have been so efficient that the non-trial model of the vaccine isn’t vital.

It will be important for vaccine builders to comply with up individuals who have had the vaccine to see how their immune system has reacted and whether or not or not the vaccine gave them immunity. This comply with up must be performed over an extended interval and embody completely different sections of the inhabitants: younger, outdated, completely different ethnic teams, and sufferers on medication that dampen the immune system (resembling chemotherapy).

What if I’ve had COVID?

Even when you’ve got recovered from COVID-19, you possibly can nonetheless profit from vaccination. There’s proof in hospitalised sufferers that the an infection was so overwhelming that the immune response turned exhausted and so immune reminiscence to the virus was not created effectively. Additionally, in the event you had a really gentle an infection, your immune system might not have reached the purpose of laying down immune reminiscence. So vaccination might be helpful, no matter whether or not you skilled extreme or gentle illness.

Although vaccination is a selection, don’t neglect that vaccines have been round a very long time and have saved extra lives than another drugs. The chance of getting COVID and its terrible and sometimes long-term side-effects outweigh any theoretical danger of a vaccine.

Tracy Hussell doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or group that will profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their educational appointment.