Covid infection gives similar immunity to vaccination: study

13 Sept 12:25 Key points summarised by AI

A major study published in The Lancet reveals that natural immunity from a prior Covid-19 infection offers protection at least as durable as that from two doses of mRNA vaccines.
Ten months post-infection, individuals maintained an 88% lower risk of reinfection, hospitalization, and death, highlighting robust long-term protection.
Despite findings on natural immunity, researchers stress that vaccination remains the safest and most recommended method for acquiring immunity, particularly for high-risk populations.
The study suggests that as more people develop 'hybrid immunity' from infection and vaccination, future Covid-19 impacts may resemble other seasonal coronaviruses with a reduced burden of severe illness.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.