Covid Italia, Abrignani: “With a third dose of immune memory for 5 or 10 years”

Third dose to everyone even under 60? “It is not an extraordinary decision, in the world of vaccinology the third dose spaced from the first two, for people who have never seen a certain microorganism, is the norm. Our immune system, as in this case, may need this stimulation to triggering a long-term memory that allows you to make other reminders no earlier than 5-10 years “. Thus Sergio Abrignani, immunologist of the Scientific Technical Committee (Cts), in an interview with the ‘Corriere della Sera’. Are Italians justifiable who do not get vaccinated even though they do not belong to the no vax minority? “They are people blocked by great fears, so they hesitate, they must be understood and helped – replies Abrignani – The more time passes, the more solid the evidence on the safety and efficacy of vaccines is. Their fears have no scientific basis, they are irrational and risk to hurt him very much. At the age of 60, Sars-CoV-2 infection can lead to death in 3-4% of cases “. I no vax? “Forget it. They have paranoid certainties. The stories about the microchip that would be inoculated with the mRna vaccines or about the metals contained in the inoculated substances or about the death of 10% of the vaccinated are such nonsense that they are not even to be discussed”, he adds. Abrignanisi then says he is in favor of extending the green pass “in terms of timing. It has proved to be a fundamental tool, so it is fair to expect that it will continue to constitute a pass. It mitigates the risk that an infected person comes into contact with a healthy, vaccinated or not vaccinated “, observes the immunologist. Would it extend it? “No, practically it is necessary to always show it. More could be done on the rigor with which it is controlled,” he replies. Are those who take the third dose entitled to an extension of the green passport? “Let’s take the case of a healthcare worker who was vaccinated in January: the green pass would soon expire, but with the third dose the validity period is extended by one year”. So the third dose must also be taken to keep the Green pass active? “It must be done above all because it guarantees the triggering of a more lasting immunological memory and therefore a more complete coverage – warns Abrignani – Combined with a mask and respect for the spacing, it greatly mitigates the risks while not canceling them”. We are surrounded by countries in emergency, first of all Germany. Could it happen to us too? “The data lead us to be very careful but not worried. Many European countries have indicated Italy as an example to follow thanks to the extensive introduction of the Green pass and the speed of vaccinations. Take Austria, it is trying to recover with the lockdown, the confinement of the unvaccinated. It is a radical and important measure that rewards or condemns, not necessary in Italy. We have applied a good compromise, those who do not accept the vaccine if they want to participate in social life swab “, points out. The numbers of infections are magnified and the cold is an accomplice of the viruses. Will we have another complicated winter? “No, I am confident. If we have the Green pass shield and we will be careful not to expose ourselves to unsafe situations, such as going to crowded closed places without a mask, it will be a winter of relative tranquility despite the fact that the Delta variant is much more transmissible”, remarks Abrignani. Is it right to immunize even the little ones? “I hope that the childhood vaccine will be available soon. The freedom to circulate among children must be taken away from the virus, who, while not getting sick except in a mild form, are a vehicle for transmission”, concludes the immunologist.