Omicron science, good news

New science explains South Africa's low rates of omicron severe disease

SARS-CoV-2 spike T cell responses induced upon vaccination or infection remain robust against Omicron

Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has multiple Spike (S) protein mutations

These contribute to escape from the neutralizing antibody responses,
reducing vaccine protection from infection

We assessed the ability of T cells to react with Omicron spike
In participants who were vaccinated with Ad26.CoV2.S (J and J) (n = 20)

or BNT162b2 (Pfizer) (n = 15

or in unvaccinated convalescent COVID-19 patients (n = 15)

SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells play a key role in modulating COVID-19 severity and provide protective immunity

Results

70-80% of the CD4 and CD8 T cell response to spike was maintained across study groups

The magnitude of Omicron cross-reactive T cells was similar to that of the Beta and Delta variants

These results demonstrate that,
despite Omicron’s extensive mutations

and reduced susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies,

the majority of T cell response,

induced by vaccination or natural infection, cross- recognises the variant.

Well-preserved T cell immunity to Omicron,

is likely to contribute to protection from severe COVID-19,

supporting early clinical observations from South Africa.

Further explanation

The limited effect of Omicron’s mutations on the T cell response suggests that vaccination or prior infection may still provide substantial protection from severe disease.

Indeed, South Africa has reported a lower risk of hospitalisation and severe disease compared to the previous Delta wave

Cross-reactive T cell responses acquired through vaccination or infection may contribute to these apparent milder outcomes for Omicron.

The resilience of the T cell response demonstrated here also bodes well in the event that more highly mutated variants emerge in the future.

[REALcatmom]

It is all death, gloom, and threats in the mainstream media. You, Dr Campbell, are a breath of fresh air with your combination of common sense and analysis of data.

[geofftheintern]

Thanks John, as normal the scientific facts expalined in a level headed and easy to understand format. - You should be in charge of the 6pm News on TV!!

[stevedemarest]

"The mainstream media has really been getting on my nerves..." Exactly why we are all here Dr. Campbell!

[flyingmedic]

Dear John as a like thinking consultant physician myself it’s such a breath of fresh air hearing a chap speak without an agenda and just giving plain but highly relevant information.
Thank you
Paul

[obxwave]

If this gentleman doesn’t deserve a knighthood, I don’t know who does. Terrific service to the public, especially in the face of legacy media panic-mongering…

[akumar]

I just find the way Dr Campbell shares complex data in a such a understandable way is brilliant.

[abrahamponce]

We thank you for being a beacon of truth and hope in these dire times Dr. Campbell. You are a sobering antidote to the poison and pessimism spread by everyone else. God bless you.

[bcfc]

I had cancer back in 2015 and my treatment lasted 4 years, radiotherapy, removal of kidney and then 2 years of chemotherapy that finished in Dec 2019. The cancer specialist explained to me about the T-cells and how they work in the body; every month I’ve tested negative since Jan 2021. Thank you Doctor for your truth and honesty!

[Chardonbois]

My stress levels have come down no end since discovering Dr. John's channel and I no longer have to rely on the alarmist and fear mongering media for my daily briefing. The tripe on the TV now goes over my head and I confess that I now feel a bit smug that I am privvy to more accurate and objective data and am better informed than most. My Thank you for all your hard work in educating us Doc... keep it going!

[QueenYak]

This man deserves the Nobel Prize in Medicine - not for any discovery or breakthrough, but for his unswerving commitment to scientific truth, day in and day out, during one of the most prolonged pandemics in modern times. Thank you, good Doctor, for all your work and excellent reporting on the facts, complex though they are.

[scytherage]

I think it would be a huge favor to the whole world to spread this video right now, because every other news outlet is not doing as good a job as this doctor working in his home, reading and actually understanding these complex medical reports for us! I don't know what we rational, non-partisan people would do without you, John. Thank you and please continue to post objective reports on what's happening, whether it's good or bad news, just tell it to us straight. And thank you!

[aaronzak]

Just want to say that I appreciate your scientific and fact based content. It really is refreshing to see someone report facts and not try to sensationalize the pandemic. Great videos Dr. John!

[Denise-vnwz]

Warning! Do NOT read main stream media. Watch Dr Campbell instead and save your sanity.

[antoineduchamp]

John, you always thank us for watching, but of course it is for us to thank you for the amazing work and daily research you do on our behalf... we are here to thank you.
This really is good news today! Better than anything I could have hoped for.
So many thanks John, and I want to wish you an amazing and happy new year 2022.
I am so grateful for everything you have done here on your channel.

[kartikkantheti]

What is even more surprising in a pleasent way is the recovery rate of individuals to the Omicron variant. This has actually made health authorities reduce the isolation period drastically

[ElkoJohn]

Day in and Day out, Dr. John works tirelessly
to keep us informed of the credible science.
Soon he will exceed 2-million subscribers.
God bless.

[wltb]

I was feeling so depressed today after hearing Dr Jason Leitch (Scottish gov high "heid yin" on covid) saying in direct broadcast address to the public that Scotland can expect a "terrifying" wave of Omicron in the coming weeks, with ICU's overflowing with dying covid patients. I was genuinely considering suicide this afternoon. I was desperate for Dr John's broadcast and was beginning to wonder if there wasn't going to be one today. Never fear, it came eventually and is SO encouraging. I am feeling much more settled mentally tonight. Honestly, these government experts should think of people's mental health.

[functionalpatterns]

Best source on Covid in the world by a light year. Fantastic work sir

[djamiljo]

I find it amazing to see how much an informational channel like this has grown in such a short amount of time! It show that people aren't stupid and want to understand and know the facts. Keep up the good work Dr Campbell!

[bimmjim]

I'm 72 in Canada. I just got inside from hovelling snow. No fatigue. I had Omicron 2 weeks ago and was over the symptoms in 4 days. .. I am Fabulous.