Antibodies are protective proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance called an antigen.

The aforesaid study was conducted by University College London and its findings are based on 8,517 participants across England and Wales.

A compelling 96.42 percent of people who took either of the vaccines developed antibodies 28 to 34 days after their first dose, the study found. The findings further revealed that the number of people producing antibodies rose to 99.08% within seven to 14 days of the second jab.

None of the participants had antibodies before getting vaccinated.

“This is one of the earliest real-world vaccine studies in the UK and it is fantastic news”, said Dr Maddie Shrotri, the lead author of the paper containing the findings.

He added: “Over nine out of 10 adults in the UK who had either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine produced antibodies against the virus within a month of their first shot … How well these vaccines work is remarkable, especially given the speed at which they’ve been developed. It’s a real feat of science in the face of the most devastating pandemic in a century.”

Other findings

Meanwhile, other findings from the study indicate that one dose of either vaccine stimulated the production of fewer antibodies in older people. However, that changed after the second dose with all ages achieving high antibody levels.

Researchers further found that antibody levels after one dose were also weaker in persons taking immune system suppressing medication and in persons with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease. This, however, disappeared once all participants had their second dose.

What’s happening locally

Back on the local scene, the government continues to encourage residents to voluntarily vaccinate as the territory now has 33 active cases.

“The borders are being opened and there will be additional positive cases that will emerge. Unless proven otherwise, the most effective way in protecting the population from the full effects of the COVID-19 virus is by being fully vaccinated,” Health Minister Carvin Malone said in update Tuesday afternoon.

He continued: “Vaccination centres are opened throughout the territory. An additional 5,646 persons can be vaccinated NOW with their first dose. Registration forms will be readily available for everyone.”