Approximately one in seven people have developed antibodies to the Covid-19 virus based on a recent study into the effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The React-2 study, undertaken by IPSOS Mori and Imperial College London, involved 154,00 test subjects, including more than 17,000 who had received at least one dose of a vaccine.

Participants were provided with at-home tests to prick their fingers and give a small blood sample to try and give an insight into immunisation levels based on either vaccine or previous infection.

As part of the data produced, 87.9% of over 80’s within the study tested positive for antibodies after two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, as per reports from Wales Online.

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That figure increased to 95.5% for the under 60’s and 100% in under 30’s.

Professor Paul Elliott, director of the React-2 programme said: “Overall there’s very high effectiveness in antibody positivity from two doses of the BioNTech, and also from a single dose in people who have had prior infection, that much we know.

“Also, although there is some fall off in positivity with age, at all ages we got a very good response to two doses of the vaccine.

However, despite the positive news on antibody responses, the study also revealed a disparity in confidence in receiving a vaccine.

Different ethnic groups surveyed demonstrated varying levels of vaccine confidence, with white respondents open to having a vaccine (92.6%) but that number dipped to 72.5% of black people included in the study.

“In terms of confidence in the vaccine, it’s very, very high, although there are some groups where it’s a bit low, and that includes some ethnic minority groups and some younger people,” added Professor Elliott.

The most common reasons highlighted for this uncertainty included concerns over how the vaccine, works, side effects, long term health and fake news surrounding infertility and allergic reactions.

Public health officials do recommend antibody tests should only be carried out at a minimum of 21 days after a vaccine dose, with the presence of antibodies not indicating immunity.

Based on single doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech, 94.7% of under 30’s tested positive for antibodies, with 73.7% of 60-64-year-olds and 34.7% for over 80’s.

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Additional data also indicates that 88.8% of those studied tested positive for antibodies, after previously tested positive for Covid-19, a figure which indicates a significant move in the right direction according to health Secretary Matt Hancock.

“These findings shed light on rates of antibodies across the UK and among different groups, as we continue to strengthen our understanding of Covid-19,” he said.

“It is fantastic to see that over 90% of people surveyed would accept, or have already accepted a vaccine, as we continue to expand the rollout.

“I urge anyone who has been invited for a vaccine to book an appointment.

“And while we are seeing rates of the virus gradually decline, it is important we all hold our resolve and follow the rules, as we deliver on our cautious, but irreversible approach to easing lockdown.”