Fact Check: Can Omicron-Affected Individuals Avoid Delta Reinfection?

New Delhi: A recent study has found that people infected with Omicron variant of coronavirus develop sufficient immune response which can neutralize the latest strain as well as other variants of concern including Delta.

“This suggests that the immune response induced by the Omicron could effectively neutralize the Delta variant making the reinfection with Delta less likely, thereby displacing the Delta as dominant strain,” the study conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (NIV) said.

The ICMR study has also suggested an Omicron-specific vaccine strategy in India.

Researchers conducted the study on 39 Omicron-infected individuals, of whom 28 were foreign returnees – from the UAE, Africa, Middle East, the USA and the UK – while the 11 others were their high-risk contacts.

Among those studied, 25 received two doses of Covishield, eight had taken Pfizer’s double dose and six were unvaccinated.

Also Read: Omicron In Community Transmission Stage, Dominant Strain: INSACOG; Check Details

“Our study demonstrated substantial immune response in the individuals infected with Omicron. The neutralizing antibodies could effectively neutralize the Omicron and other VOCs including the most prevalent Delta variant,” the study said.

The research, aimed to assess Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Neutralizing Antibody (NAb) response in people who have had breakthrough COVID infections, noted that lower number of participants in unvaccinated group and shorter window period post infection were the main limitations of this study.

“This could be an important reason for low immune response, specifically in unvaccinated individuals against Omicron,” the study added.