Staff from across The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust who have taken part in a national COVID-19 study, SIREN, have today heard the preliminary findings from scientists at Public Health England.

The research, following almost 21,000 healthcare workers from across the UK, shows that those who have had COVID-19 are highly likely to have immunity to it for at least five months, with past infection linked to an 83% lower risk of getting the virus, compared with those who have never had COVID-19. Of the 6,614 people in the study who had previously had COVID-19, only 44 reinfections were found, which suggests that reinfection is relatively rare. Of those who had no antibodies to the virus, suggesting they had never had it, 318 developed potential new infections within this timeframe.

Despite the positive news that reinfections appear to be quite rare, experts involved in the study stress that anyone reinfected with COVID-19 could still pass the virus on to others and so should continue to follow the guidance by staying at home, wearing face coverings and social distancing.

250 staff at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre were recruited to take part in the study alongside a range of other healthcare professionals since June 2020. Participants have been tested regularly since to see whether they currently have COVID-19 and also for the presence of antibodies. Scientists will continue to monitor healthcare workers for 12 months to see how long immunity lasts.

Dr Sheena Khanduri, Medical Director at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that so many of our staff have been involved in this valuable study, which is continuing to be incredibly useful in helping experts from across the UK to understand immunity against COVID-19.

“While the study focused on healthcare workers, this research will allow all of us to better understand the long-term impact of the virus on society and help us to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our communities, keeping people safe.”