The results showed that 99% of participants retained antibodies for three months on 88% still had them after six months.

Scientists say the results should provide some reassurance that swift cases of reinfection will be rare.

Naomi Allen, a professor and chief scientist at UK Bio Bank who conducted the study, said that although we cannot be certain how this relates to immunity, the results suggest that people may be protected against subsequent infection for at least six months following natural infection.

On Wednesday, a pre print study showed that just one shot of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine provided sustained protection for three months.

It showed a 76% efficacy until a second shot was given on higher efficacy.

If the second dose was given at least 12 weeks after the first.

Now that is really good news.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock used this to defend the country's vaccine rollout strategy.

Britain has extended the gap between doses on given the shot to people of all ages, whereas France Belgium and Germany recommend that Oxfords vaccine is only given toe under 65.

Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, Andrew Pollard said the study was also a success for reducing transmission well that could have, ah really important impact in that it reduces the chances of someone who who is exposed getting the infection, and if they don't get the infection, they can't pass it on, so it decreases the risk, all of transmission in the population.

The study's findings are only preliminary ons still under review.

It may support Britain's decision to separate doses, but it did not give extra direct evidence of efficacy in older people.