KT explained: What is mixed immunity against Covid-19? – information

“Superhuman immunity” or “mixed immunity” is a term recently coined by scientists to describe people who have developed so-called bulletproof immunity to the Covid-19 virus.

Doctors in the UAE explained that mixed immunity is the result of a combination of natural immunity and immunity produced by vaccines.

Dr. Sundar Elayaperumal, consultant microbiology consultant at Burjeel Hospital, said: “When the naturally acquired immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is combined with the immunity generated by the vaccine, it will produce an immune response that exceeds expectations.”

In view of the decrease in Covid-19 cases across the country, a cross-border doctor from Khaleej Times stated that a “mixed immunization” phenomenon may be occurring among UAE residents.

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Dr. Tholfkar Al Baaj, chief clinical officer of Al-Futtaim Health, explained that individuals with mixed immune system responses are in a “good position.”

“Studies have shown that the antibodies in these people’s blood can even neutralize the first coronavirus SARS-CoV-1 that appeared 20 years ago. This virus is very, very different from SARS-CoV-2. In addition, there are now many studies focused on Looking for a pan-coronavirus vaccine that can prevent all future variants,” he said.

“Based on all these findings, it seems that the immune system will eventually have an advantage over this virus. If we are lucky, SARS-CoV-2 will eventually fall into the category of viruses that will only cause us minor harm. Cold, “Added Dr. Al Baaj.

How does it work?

According to Dr. Mohammed Salman Khan, a general practitioner at the Kouses Aster Clinic, after a natural infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a single-dose RNA-based Covid-19 vaccine provides better immune protection than a double-dose vaccine. Uninfected people.

Has the UAE achieved herd immunity?

Doctors attribute the decline in the number of Covid-19 infections across the country to the UAE’s strong vaccination campaign, including among adolescents.

“Herd immunity is usually achieved when at least 80% of the total population is immunized-whether by infection with the virus or vaccination,” said Dr. Al Baaj.

“We can say that we have almost achieved herd immunity, mainly because our vaccination rate is the highest in the world,” said Dr. Khan. Covid vaccine.”

Child vaccination rate

Dr. Hiba Waleed Kashmoola, a family medicine expert at Medcare Medical Center in Sharjah, said that the UAE has the highest vaccination rate among school-age children, which has the “wonderful effect” of improving the immunity of the population.

“The high vaccination rate of children is essential to reduce community transmission, because children may be silent spreaders of the virus in society. As schools reopen, increasing the vaccination rate of this group of people becomes more important to prevent possible face-to-face Any potential infections caused by learning will surge,” Dr. Al Baaj added.

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Danusha Gukulan

Dhanusha Gokulan is from India and has been working as a journalist for more than ten years. For Khaleej Times, she reports on NRI affairs, civil aviation and immigration issues. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, economics and English literature from Mangalore University in 2008, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in contemporary media leadership and innovation at the American University in Dubai. In her spare time, she gets involved in singing/song writing, loves food, and is the mother of an over-enthusiastic Labrador Retriever. On her Twitter @shootsprintrite.