Vaccination
The vast majority of those antibodies were obtained through vaccination. The vaccination strategy is clearly reflected in the increase in antibodies among increasingly younger donors. ‘From mid-April to mid-July, the number of donors with antibodies rose spectacularly every week, by an average of 5% per week. From mid-June, we also see a rapid increase in donors under the age of 30’, says Sanquin. More than 93% of donors at Sanquin currently have antibodies.
Test explains antibodies through infection or vaccination
Sanquin uses a test to distinguish different corona antibodies, in order to determine whether someone has developed antibodies through vaccination or an infection.
Vaccination remains important
A – nicely high – ceiling seems to have been reached among donors over the age of 30, where the increase in antibodies is only taking small steps. The few percent of donors without corona antibodies are people who have not been vaccinated, and have not had an infection. In a very small part, the antibodies may have dropped.
‘Balanced distribution of vaccinations important’
Sanquin virologist Hans Zaaijer emphasizes the importance of a balanced distribution of these vaccinations. ‘An average high percentage of people with antibodies does not mean that this is the same everywhere in the Netherlands, and that the protection against the virus is sufficient everywhere. People without antibodies are still at risk.’
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