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People who get infected with Covid after being fully vaccinated later acquire "super immunity" with high levels of antibodies, a new study claims.
The research looked at 26 vaccinated members of staff at Oregon Health and Science University who had infections compared to those who were vaccinated but didn't get coronavirus.
According to the study, the vaccinated group who caught Covid saw a surge in antibodies, as high as 2,000 per cent.
Study author Fikadu Tafesse, a molecular microbiology and immunology professor at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, said: "The increases were substantial.
"Up to a 1,000 per cent increase and sometimes up to 2,000 per cent, so it's really high immunity.
"It's almost 'super immunity'."
Prof Tafesse added: "What we're saying is, we know life happens. If you happen to be exposed to the virus, you'll have this amazing immune response."
Dr Monica Gandhi of the University of California at San Francisco said of the study: "This is one of the first that shows a breakthrough infection following vaccination generates stronger immunity than prior infection or vaccination alone."
The study comes as new infections in the UK continue to soar, with a total of 82,886 cases reported on Sunday alone.
Tougher restrictions may be imposed in England next week as Covid cases continue to rise with fears that this will put a strain on the NHS.
Boris Johnson is understood to be poised to have urgent meetings with scientists and his top team.
Find out how Covid-19 is affecting where you live by adding your postcode.
Find out how many cases of coronavirus there have been where you live in the widget above - and get an even more detailed breakdown when you click through to our sister site InYourArea..
The research looked at 26 vaccinated members of staff at Oregon Health and Science University who had infections compared to those who were vaccinated but didn't get coronavirus.
According to the study, the vaccinated group who caught Covid saw a surge in antibodies, as high as 2,000 per cent.
Study author Fikadu Tafesse, a molecular microbiology and immunology professor at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, said: "The increases were substantial.
"Up to a 1,000 per cent increase and sometimes up to 2,000 per cent, so it's really high immunity.
"It's almost 'super immunity'."
Prof Tafesse added: "What we're saying is, we know life happens. If you happen to be exposed to the virus, you'll have this amazing immune response."
Dr Monica Gandhi of the University of California at San Francisco said of the study: "This is one of the first that shows a breakthrough infection following vaccination generates stronger immunity than prior infection or vaccination alone."
The study comes as new infections in the UK continue to soar, with a total of 82,886 cases reported on Sunday alone.
Tougher restrictions may be imposed in England next week as Covid cases continue to rise with fears that this will put a strain on the NHS.
Boris Johnson is understood to be poised to have urgent meetings with scientists and his top team.
Find out how Covid-19 is affecting where you live by adding your postcode.
Find out how many cases of coronavirus there have been where you live in the widget above - and get an even more detailed breakdown when you click through to our sister site InYourArea..