Coronavirus vaccine: How long does COVID-19 vaccine immunity last? Here's what research has found

With the rollout of the vaccines in and around the world, people have developed a sense of hope and optimism. Millions have already got themselves vaccinated and others are queuing up for the same. However, questions about the vaccine's efficacy and the duration of immunity it provides still remains to be answered. People are curious to know as to how long the immunity from the COVID-19 vaccination lasts?

Considering the young and the elderly are both equally susceptible to the deadly coronavirus, it is important that each and every person, falling under the eligibility criteria, get themselves vaccinated. While you may not feel the need to get vaccinated considering you are young or have no pre-existing comorbidity, it is crucial that we protect the most vulnerable in our community and that can only be achieved through mass-vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity against SARs-COV-2 infection. It revs up the body's immune response against deadly pathogens and develops antibodies that provide lasting immunity for the future.

However, since the novel coronavirus is a new type of virus and COVID vaccines have just been developed, there's no solid evidence that could determine how well a person is protected after the vaccination or the duration of immunity it provides.

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked into the data of 4,000 vaccinated healthcare professionals and frontline workers.

The study found that the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were effective in 80 percent of cases after the first dose and 90 percent after the second dose.

Additionally, they discovered that the vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by vaccinated individuals to others.

“Reducing the risk for transmissible infection, which can occur among persons with asymptomatic infection or among persons several days before symptoms onset, is especially important among healthcare personnel, first responders, and other essential and frontline workers given their potential to transmit the virus through frequent close contact with patients and the public,” the report stated.

Researchers involved in the phase 3 trial of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines said that the immunization is prevalent for at least 6 months in vaccinated people. It found that the vaccine is 100% effective against the ailments listed down by the CDC and 95.3% effective against severe COVID-19 infections as referred to by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In addition to that, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is said to be effective against the South African variant known as B.1.351.

The study, conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAI), found that the COVID vaccines can protect against the new COVID variants. The research, led by NIAID staff scientist Andrew Redd, evaluated and analysed the white blood cell samples of 30 people infected by the SARs-COV-2 virus and recovered from it prior to the emergence of the variants in different parts of the world. It was found that the T-cells remained active against the virus and its responses remained largely intact and could recognize virtually all mutations in the variants studied, as per the experts.

That said, the NIAID press release stated, "While larger studies are needed, the researchers note that their findings suggest that the T cell response in convalescent individuals, and most likely in vaccines, are largely not affected by the mutations found in these three variants, and should offer protection against emerging variants."

At the current stage, we cannot wholly depend on the COVID vaccines for immunity. It is important that we continue wearing well-fitted masks and practice social distancing.

Following all public health measures is crucial to contain the virus and protect ourselves and loved ones from the same.