According to a model calculation by the team led by simulation researcher Niki Popper, an estimated 61 percent of the population was immune to infection with the subtype of the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen called BA.2, which is dominant. in Austria in early June. The share that was protected against this subtype as of June 1, has shrunk considerably in recent weeks, they say. However, the value is still sufficient against a “re-growth” of infections.
This is mainly due to seasonality, the team notes on the website of the company dwh, a spin-off of the Technical University (TU) Vienna. At warmer temperatures, there are generally fewer transmissions with pathogens from the coronavirus group. The current level of immunity at just over 60 percent currently reduces the effective number of reproductions — that is, the average number of people infected by an infected person — by about 52 percent. In a population that has not been partially immunized by vaccinations or previous illnesses, slightly more than twice as many new infections can currently be expected.
At the end of March, more than 75% was still protected
According to the scientists’ estimates, most Austrians were protected against BA.2 infections by the end of March. At the time, the vaccination level was just over 75 percent of the population. From about mid-March, the level that turned the infection curve was reached. In the more than two months that followed, the immunity level steadily declined again. According to the researchers, this mainly affects people whose protection comes from vaccinations or vaccinations and infections that have occurred.
Only 15% “immunized” by infection
The researchers currently assume that just under 15 percent of the total Austrian population has built up their current protection against the omicron subvariant solely through a detected or undetected infection. About 40 percent were vaccinated in early June, both through vaccination and from previous illness. The rest have their protection purely against vaccination.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
