Omicron infection poor booster of Covid immunity, study finds

Findings shed light on why breakthrough infections have been common during the Omicron wave

People infected with the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus show poor immunity-boosting against future Covid-19 infection, according to a new study.

The research, published in the journal Science, assessed how people’s immunity following vaccination offers protection against the Sars-CoV-2 virus as well as the protection offered by prior infection.

While recovery post contracting Covid-19 is thought to provide a natural immunity boost against future infection with the virus, scientists, including those from Imperial College London, say Omicron provides a poor natural boost of Covid-19 immunity against re-infection.