Covid jab 'offers longer lasting immunity than real infection'

Friday 22 January 2021

Islanders are being urged to get vaccinated against covid-19 even if they have had the virus before, as it provides a longer lasting immunity, according to the medic leading Jersey's response to the pandemic.

Dr Ivan Muscat MBE made the recommendation at a recent media briefing on the local vaccination programme.

So far, 5,845 islanders have received the first dose of the vaccine, with 2,009 second doses also administered. 

Responding to questions from Express, Dr Muscat said that even those who have had the virus previously should get their jab.

Pictured: Dr Muscat said the vaccine provides a "more long-lasting immunity than natural infection".

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been a total of 3,088 individuals confirmed as having the virus in the island.

“The vaccine seems to provide more long-lasting immunity than natural infection, which is interesting but that’s what seems to happen,” Dr Muscat said. 

“Certainly, you should get the vaccine even if you had covid, it certainly won’t do you any harm and it could only better improve protection.”

Even though getting the vaccine is strongly being encouraged, Becky Sherrington was clear that it is not mandatory.

“We have a small amount of missed appointments but if people do not attend, we do not chase those people to come and attend,” she said. 

“It’s not a forced vaccination and that would be something that we wouldn’t do. So, if people have missed their appointment and do not come, they can rebook but we don’t chase them." 

For those who have received their jab so far, the message is to remain cautious and continue to follow public health guidance until a bigger portion of the population has been vaccinated.