By comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the 12-17 age bracket, scientists estimate that a single dose reduced infection risk by 55.7%, and 57.9% for those receiving two injections. Photo: Omicron

By comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the 12-17 age bracket, scientists estimate that a single dose reduced infection risk by 55.7%, and 57.9% for those receiving two injections.  Photo: Omicron

Preliminary research suggests those infected with Omicron are 40% to 45% less likely to need hospitalisation. While reinfection is associated with a 55-70% reduction in hospitalisation risk, say researchers from Imperial College London.

The risk for the unvaccinated has reduced by 30%, while the estimated reduction in risk of hospitalisation through reinfection is 70% less likely, when compared with primary infections of the Delta variant.

The report goes on to claim that individuals who have received at least two vaccine doses “have a substantially reduced risk of hospitilsation” when compared with Delta primary infections in the unvaccinated.

By comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the 12-17 age bracket, scientists estimate that a single dose reduced infection risk by 55.7%, and 57.9% for those receiving two injections.

The first 11 recorded UK Omicron infections aged 18 to 54 years were all double-vaccinated.

Professor Neil Ferguson from Imperial College London said: “Our analysis shows evidence of a moderate reduction in the risk of hospitalisation associated with the Omicron variant compared with the Delta variant. However, this appears to be offset by the reduced efficacy of vaccines against infection with the Omicron variant. Given the high transmissibility of the Omicron virus, there remains the potential for health services to face increasing demand.”

The latest findings, represent good news for global citizens and a rather awkward headache for governments. The high infection rate risks to cause a spike in admissions to hospitals, through sheer law of averages, while the risk to the individual is significantly reduced.

This comes after the Luxembourg government announced renewed restrictions motivated by the perceived risk of the Omicron variant.

The introduction into law of the so called 2G and 3G covid-check scheme this month, as well as fresh measures imposed on the hospitality sector--bars and restaurants will be forced to shut from 11pm -- is expected to be introduced today, Christmas eve.

According to the latest health indicators, for the week of 13 to 19 December, the number of people testing positive for covid-19 in Luxembourg increased by 5%, from 2,593 to 2,727.

Of the 2,727 new cases, leisure accounted for the lowest source of infection, 3.9%.

Claude Wiseler, the president of the CSV, has also introduced a motion in parliament .