9 in 10 adults have Covid-19 antibodies – but how much protection do they offer, asks expert

PUTNEY, U.K. - July 8, 2021 - PRLog -- A new Coronavirus Infection Survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates around 9 in 10 UK adults had Covid-19 antibodies in the week beginning 14 June.

The London Medical Laboratory (LML) – a leading home and High Street Covid-19 and blood testing provider – welcomes the survey results. However, before the Government relaxes its Covid-19 protection measures, LML warns we need a clearer idea of the antibody levels that are developed following vaccination or infection.

Dr. Quinton Fivelman, PhD, the Chief Scientific Officer at London Medical Laboratory, has just authored the White Paper 'Has your vaccine worked? Are you immune to Covid-19?'. He says the ONS findings are encouraging and provide a good idea of how many people have either had the infection in the past or have been vaccinated. However, he urges caution.

Says Dr. Fivelman: 'LML's White Paper reveals that most people have a far higher antibody response to a vaccine against Covid-19 than from a natural infection. Therefore, we need a quantitative measure of individuals' responses to first and second jabs and catching Covid-19 naturally. The Government needs to send out a clear message that people who have previously had Covid get their vaccinations. Otherwise, plans for 19 July should be postponed.'

Dr. Fivelman explains: 'The modelling revealed in the new ONS data reveals 87% of people in England had received one jab by 20 June, 69% had had both jabs and 89.8% tested positive for antibodies. That's encouraging for the Government's plans, but we need a better picture across the UK of the actual levels of antibodies people have - as recent research has shown a clear link between the level of antibodies and prevention of serious illness caused by Covid-19.

Dr. Fivelman says highly accurate antibody level tests are available for people to take at home. These provide reassurance that the vaccines have done their job – and could give the Government a better picture of actual antibody levels in the community.

Dr. Fivelman has a further warning for the Government before next week's decision about Freedom Day. 'This virus has not been around long enough for scientists to be sure whether having IgG antibodies makes you immune – even at high antibody level. The Government must also keep this in mind when making a final decision on ending most Covid-19 restrictions.'

For the latest information see LML's new White Paper at: https://www.privatecoronavirustests.com/page/vaccine-immunity