An immunologist explained how revaccination will strengthen the immunity of Almaty residents
“Responsible people will go and get vaccinated,” said the Head of the Department of General Immunology at KazNMU named after Asfendiyarova, candidate of medical sciences Elmira Bitanova, speaking at the platform of the Regional Communications Service of Almaty.
The immunologist also urged Almaty residents to observe the mask regime and other established sanitary requirements, since there is a large number of SARS cases in the city. And the symptoms of this infection are similar to those of the coronavirus. E. Bitanova said that adults with SARS more than four times a year should sound the alarm.
- Observations have shown that after six months the level of antibodies in the vaccinated decreases, which means that the likelihood of the disease increases. Therefore, the point of revaccination is to support the immune layer of the population. The immune response has its own patterns. Each meeting with an antigen strengthens memory cells. After booster vaccination, the immunity will be stronger, - the immunologist believes.
The Almaty immunologist noted that she herself received both doses of the vaccine, her elderly mother was also vaccinated. She recommends a third vaccination for people with chronic diseases, at risk groups and the elderly.
E. Bitanova appealed to the townspeople to be vaccinated before the beginning of winter and against SARS and coronavirus.
Those who received two components of the vaccine six months ago or more, E. Bitanova urged not to delay the booster vaccination.
- Observations indicate that the protective effect of vaccines against COVID-19 may be declining. Therefore, methodological recommendations show revaccination for sufficient protection against new strains. Vaccines are designed to enhance the immune response, especially since we have strict intervals, evidence periods. We do not layer one antibody on top of another. The immune system trains, vaccines are considered a simulator for it, - E. Bitanova added.
According to her, after vaccination and revaccination, immunity is stronger than after a previous illness. In this case, it is not necessary to be guided by the antibody titer, it is of great importance how prepared the cellular immunity is.
- This is a dangerous infection, you can't joke with it. Since there is such a tool as a booster vaccine, then it is necessary to receive it, - says E. Bitanova.