A new study just published in the journal Science challenged our collective hope that natural infection by Omicron would convey a degree of immunity that would prevent subsequent infections by the same variant or its subvariants. Unfortunately, the study determined that infection by Omicron, unlike with previous variants, does not prevent future infections.
Moreover, the study, which followed a cohort of triple-vaccinated healthcare workers in the UK, determined that those healthcare workers infected by previous strains of the virus carried some immunity toward Omicron. Conversely, and most surprisingly, the ones previously infected by an early strain and then infected again by Omicron lost that immunity and didn’t regain any from their most recent infection. Put simply, their infection by Omicron “erased” any immunity previously acquired.
“Mesothelioma patients are at risk for complications from a covid infection and its aftermath,” said Shannon Sinclair, RN, BSN, OCN and patient services director at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
“We advise that patients continue to be careful in assessing their risk, continue to mask in high-risk environments, and continue following CDC vaccination guidance,” she added.
The upcoming International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, hosted by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, requires mask wearing and all attendees will be vaccinated.
“The safety of our community is our top priority,” said Julie Powers, the executive director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
