People who are vaccinated are less likely to develop long Covid even if they catch the virus, a rapid review by the UK Health Security Agency reveals.
It looked at the available evidence to date from 15 studies around the world, reports BBC.
The findings suggest that while some who are jabbed catch Covid, vaccines reduce infection risk and illness, including symptoms like fatigue.
And unvaccinated people who catch Covid and get symptoms of long Covid, do better if they then get vaccinated.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), around 2% of the UK population have reported symptoms of long Covid, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and muscle or joint pain.
Symptoms like these can last for more than four weeks after the infection.
People who received two doses of a vaccine against Covid are less likely to experience this or will have the symptoms for a shorter time.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UKHSA, said: “These studies add to the potential benefits of receiving a full course of the Covid-19 vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious symptoms when you get infected and may also help to reduce the longer-term impact.
“For most people, symptoms of long Covid are short-lived and resolve over time. But for some, symptoms can be more severe and disrupting to their daily lives. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, particularly for longer than four weeks after infection, you should consider contacting your GP.”
