Side effects of the Covid vaccine up to three times more common in those who have had the virus

Ellie Barnes, professor of hepatology and immunology at the University of Oxford and a member of the Oxford vaccination team, said: “Emerging data shows that when you have a Covid infection, your T cells become activated, then over weeks. after that, they become memory T cells and sort of calm down.

“But then they are able to respond very quickly to subsequent vaccination. So if you have been infected before and then receive your first dose of vaccine, you have a very good response to that single dose compared to someone who has not been infected. before.”

Last month, researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York found that people who had previously had an infection had between 10 and 20 times more antibodies after their first vaccination than those who had never had the infection. virus. The authors said people with previous infections likely wouldn’t need a second dose, and jab supplies could be diverted elsewhere.

The University of Maryland, United States, also found a greater antibody response in healthcare workers who had previously been infected after vaccination.

Eleanor Riley, professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Both articles suggest that people who have had a PCR-confirmed covid-19 infection may only need one dose. vaccine.

“Granted, this appears to provide them with protection that is at least as good as two doses of vaccine. However, incorporating it into a mass immunization program can be logistically complex and it may be safer, in the process. together, to ensure that everyone gets two. doses. “

Lawrence Young, virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, said: “If future work can confirm this high level of immunity after a single mRNA vaccine in this group of individuals, this could become an option. viable when there are concerns about vaccine supply. “

King’s research showed that women were twice as likely as men to experience side effects from the Pfizer vaccine and about 50% more likely from the AstraZeneca vaccine.