Study: Unvaccinated People at Higher Risk of Infection than Boosted Individuals.
Study Shows COVID-19 Booster May Increase Infection Risk
A new study conducted in California’s prisons has found that individuals who received a new COVID-19 vaccine booster were more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to those who received no vaccine doses.
The study, which analyzed data from 33 state prisons between January and July 2023, aimed to assess the effectiveness of the bivalent shots introduced in 2022.
Out of 96,201 inmates with data on COVID-19 testing and vaccination, researchers identified 2,835 cases. Among these cases, 1,187 were individuals who had received the bivalent vaccine, while only 568 cases were among the unvaccinated.
The infection rate in the bivalent group was 3.2 percent, slightly higher than the 2.7 percent rate in the unvaccinated group. This difference was more pronounced among elderly inmates.
A person receives a COVID-19 vaccine at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Calif., on Dec. 22, 2021. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
The researchers emphasized the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these findings and to consider other factors such as underlying health conditions. They also highlighted the importance of developing vaccines that target residual COVID-19 infections and evolving variants.
Questionable Claims
The study’s authors acknowledged the negative results, suggesting that while the bivalent vaccine might offer protection against severe outcomes, it may not significantly reduce the risk of overall infections. However, they did not provide evidence supporting this claim.
Dr. Ray Andrews, a retired doctor, criticized the wording of the study, stating that using words like “may” and “might” turns scientific thesis into personal opinion.
The bivalent vaccines were authorized without clinical trial data, and their efficacy has been questioned. Observational data suggests that the vaccines provide short-lived protection against severe illness.
Syringes and vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be administered at a drive-up vaccination site from Renown Health in Reno, Nev., on Dec. 17, 2020. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Other Studies
Several other studies have also questioned the effectiveness of bivalent shots. French researchers estimated that the vaccine added just 8 percent protection against symptomatic infection, while South Korean researchers estimated 12 percent added protection. Qatari researchers found 25 percent relative effectiveness, with lower effectiveness among individuals with no prior infection.
In June, Cleveland Clinic researchers discovered that employees who were “up to date” with their vaccines or had received a bivalent dose had a higher risk of infection.
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