Scientists have warned that a fourth dose of a Covid-19 vaccine offers insufficient protection against the Omicron variant.
The findings were the result of a trial in Israel, where the public has been encouraged to receive a fourth jab.
The additional dose only offers partial protection against the strain, according to researchers at the Sheba Medical Centre — the largest hospital in the country.
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Professor Regev-Yochay found that, while the number of antibodies increases as compared with the third dose, the number of people getting infected with Omicron remains high after an additional jab.
As reported by the Daily Express, the initial conclusion from the study is that the vaccine is significantly less effective against the strain than it was against Alpha and Delta.
While the reduced effectiveness of Covid vaccines against Omicron was already known, a third dose of has been found to up protection.
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The aim of the study, therefore, was to investigate whether a fourth dose offered even more protection against the variant — but the results indicate that this is not the case.
However, it is still being recommended in Israel for the clinically vulnerable and older age groups to provide them with extra protection.
Last week, Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf stated that the Omicron wave in Scotland appeared to be 'decelerating'.
Later today, Nicola Sturgeon is expected to announce an update on whether restrictions on hospitality are to be eased.
