Study: Vaccine halves chance of long-term effects from breakthrough COVID-19 cases

SALT LAKE CITY — A new study shows promise for those getting vaccinated when it comes to long-term side effects from COVID-19.

According to the study based out of the U.K. and in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, those who have been vaccinated have a 49% lower risk of developing long-haul COVID symptoms if they get a breakthrough case of the virus.

That’s out of a survey of 1.2 million adults in the U.K.

A new study for COVID long-haulers when it comes to those being vaccinated. One woman's story what she's still going through. @KSL5TV at 6. pic.twitter.com/joMGoP2PvF

— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) September 7, 2021

Some of those symptoms for long-haulers include: brain fog, fatigue, body aches and still not being able to smell and taste.

The medical director for the Comprehensive COVID Clinic at the University of Utah Health said the study is promising for those being vaccinated.

“It’s a good message to encourage folks to get vaccinated. Just given the strain of the healthcare system, and also, you know, that this impacts not just your health, but your overall life,” said Jeanette Brown, who is also an intensive care physician. “It’s hard to say that we’ve had that trend just yet, but given the data, I think it’s consistent to say that it’s less likely to be a long haul if you’ve been vaccinated.”

Tanya, 46, who didn’t want to release her last name, knows exactly what’s it’s like to still be in pain and agony months after having COVID-19.

In fact, she was diagnosed with the virus twice. The first time was in April of 2020 and the second time in December 2020.

KSL-TV caught up with her as she was heading to another one of her doctors appointments because of her long term effects of fatigue, tremors and respiratory issues.  

“To have COVID again, I remember just lying in my bed crying and saying I can’t do this again,” said an emotional Tanya.

Before COVID, Tanya was a vibrant wife and mother and active photographer, running her own business. Now, she can’t even carry the groceries into her own house.

“I’m really weak. I just have to rely on my family to do a lot of the chores and duties that, as a mother, I used to be able to do myself,” said Tanya, who wishes the vaccine was available before she first got the virus. “I would go to every doctor and every specialist and no one could tell me what was wrong.”

Tanya said she’s fighting through this and believes she’s finally getting some answers that may help her on her road to recovery.

She’s also part of a long-hauler support group on Facebook, who help each other get through their challenges.