Dr Hilary has explained how long the COVID-19 immunity might last after a breakthrough on the Oxford vaccine.
The TV doctor has emphasised Oxford University trials are ‘encouraging’ with the latest testing for the vaccine highlighting it is safe to use on older people who are most at risk.
Dr Hilary put forward his message to viewers on Good Morning Britain over how long the COVID-19 immunity could last.
He was speaking to Ben and Susanna who clearly looked pleasantly surprised with his explanation.
Results showing the effectiveness of the University of Oxford’s coronavirus vaccine are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, phase two of trial date released on Thursday suggests the jab produces a strong immune shield in older adults.
Dr Hilary said: "So this is breaking news. The T cell immunity is there within a few days of the first dose.
"The antibodies which circulate in the bloodstream are detectable 28 days after the second dose, the booster dose. You are getting effective immunity - 95 per cent or thereabouts, we are told, judging by the preliminary data - within a month or two of the jabs.
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"Going forward we do not know how long it will last. It is impossible to say. But what we estimate the T cell response, which is the one which is longer lasting, could last as long as 10 or 15 years.
"We do not know yet.”
In response, Ben and Susanna clearly looked taken aback, with Ben Shephard replying: "Wow."
