[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Amid research showing that immunity from the Pfizer vaccine rapidly declines two months after completing vaccination, the U.S. medical community has stated there is no need for alarm.
On the 6th (local time), CNN cited a study published in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), reporting that the immune effect of the Pfizer vaccine drops quickly after two months following the second dose. On the 10th, it also reported that while the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection after vaccination is reduced by over 90%, protection against mild or asymptomatic infection may gradually decrease.
However, the U.S. medical community has offered a different perspective on these views. Professor Ann Persky of the University of Rochester Medical Center told CNN in an interview, "Even if immunity gradually wanes over time after vaccination, I don't think it's a reason for people to be fearful."
She added, "It’s not like suddenly getting infected by the virus one day as before vaccination," and said, "Various COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna are sufficiently effective in preventing disease." She reassured the public by saying, "Most breakthrough infections are at the level of seasonal flu. There is no need to panic. It will be okay."
Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated, "Vaccines are an effective tool to control the pandemic." The CDC explained, "Fully vaccinated individuals can still become infected with COVID-19, and some may be hospitalized or die," but emphasized, "Hospitalization and death rates among vaccinated individuals are significantly lower than those who are unvaccinated."
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