Scientists are reporting that vaccines made by Pfzier-BioNTech and Moderna have set off an immune reaction in the body that may protect against COVID-19 for years.
This recent study adds to growing evidence that many people vaccinated with the mRNA vaccines may not end up needing booster shots. The peer-reviewed study, published in science journal, Naure, found its vaccines to be long-lasting. Dr. Ali Ellebedy, an immunologist at Washington University and lead author of the study, states findings are a “good sign for how durable our immunity is from this vaccine” (Independent).
However, this may be dependent on how variants of the virus evolve, so it does not come with a sure guarantee. For those of more vulnerable populations, such as immunocompromised and older adults, may end up needing booster shots. A separate study has shown that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine gives a “strong” immune system boost against COVID-19 and differing variants after a third dose.
The study on long-lasting immunity does not consider the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Although, it is expected the immune response may be less durable than that of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna (The New York Times).
