The combination prevented more than 97 per cent of severe disease or hospitalization for up to 12 months after infection or initial immunization, whichever was most recent, according to a report from the World Health Organization. Boosters conferred an additional 6 months of protection. Meanwhile, infection alone was just under 75 per cent protective over a year.
The report was based on a review of more than two dozen studies from January 2020 to June 2022 on protection afforded by hybrid immunity and by previous infection alone. The findings should be used to tailor guidance on the number and timing of Covid shots, the report said.
Scheduling for updated booster shots has long been debated among health experts who disagree on intervals between vaccine doses and whether updated boosters are necessary for all age groups. The US Food and Drug Administration staff is set to meet Jan. 26 with a group of outside advisers to discuss whether immunization policies should be revised as the pandemic evolves.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Quarterly Starter
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app