Previous infection offers little protection

Previous coronavirus infection does not fully protect young people against reinfection, research suggests.

Researchers said that despite previous infection and the presence of antibodies, vaccination is still necessary to boost immune responses, prevent reinfection and reduce transmission.

They added that young people should take up the vaccine whenever possible.

According to an observational study of more than 3,000 healthy members of the US Marine Corps, most aged 18-20, between May and November 2020, around 10% of participants who had been infected became reinfected.

This was compared with new infections in 50% of participants who had not previously been infected.

Although the study was in young, fit, mostly male recruits, the researchers believe the risk of reinfection will apply to many young people.