Panel approves bill that says antibodies good as vaccines

Passed thru two commitees

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Legislation that would allow those whose serology test results show measurable neutralizing antibodies to COVID-19 to be considered the same as being fully vaccinated passed the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday.

Sen. Ralph Alvarado, R-Winchester, a physician himself, is the sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 80.  He told the panel there have been several studies that say the level of immunity after being infected is as good as those who have been vaccinated.

“We have had more and more studies coming out, and even international governments, that have begun to recognize this as being equal to being vaccinated,” he said.

Alvarado said that includes all the governments in Europe.  “Now, if you want to travel to their country, you have to have proof of vaccination or proof of previous infection with antibody response, recognizing that to be equivalent.”

He also noted there is a drug from Pfizer to treat COVID-19. 

“Paxlovid has been approved for treatment of acute infections of COVID.  It’s to the point now where it’s people’s decisions and choices to make those,” Alvarado stated.  “I think it’s time for the state to be able to recognize, as many international governments have, to start recognizing people that have a measurable antibody response; in the legislation it’s the 20^th percentile, or higher, to start recognizing that as equivalent to being vaccinated.”

He did admit that immunity to COVID may not be lifelong. 

“Recent studies are saying that these antibodies are lasting at measurable levels upwards of one year for people who have had a natural infection, therefore, the expiration of the joint resolution would be January 31, 2023, which would be a little under 12 months from now.”

SJR 80 was approved on an 8-2 vote, so the measure now heads to the full Senate for its consideration.