Emerging data shows that the UK COVID-19 variant (called VOC 202012/01) is a new mutation of the virus which has been identified as a particularly concerning strain of the virus by scientists globally as it feared as more transmissible than previous variants. It has also proven to be particularly infectious amongst children. In the wake of this emerging threat, Getz Pharma’s Public Health Line, brought together an esteemed panel of subject experts to shed light on the effectiveness of vaccines against mutations of the virus on January 2nd, 2021. The program was held LIVE at 7 pm Pakistan, 5 pm Qatar, 10 pm Philippines and 8 am USA.
This strain is defined by 17 mutations, out of which eight mutations are located in the spike protein and at least three mutations have the potential to change how immunity is affected in terms of the effectiveness of vaccines. A study from the Center for Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases showed that this variant is 56% more transmissible than previous ones. The panelists shared data and analysis on various aspects of this mutation and the efficacy of the different vaccinations being made available. They also answered many questions posted live online by the audience.
Professor Zahra gave an overview of the virus structure, the UK mutations, and genotype in Pakistan, while Dr Adeel spoke about the types of vaccines available and their efficacy. Dr Faisal discussed the impact of the mutations to the types of vaccines. His key message was that the vaccines are generally expected to work because they are equipped to recognize the virus effectively. Dr Mehreen elaborated on the mutations and discussed studies indicating that children may now be hotspots. Dr. Daisy joined from the Philippines and elaborated on what the experience has been in Philippines and how their government is taking steps for it. All participants spoke about various clinical trials in their respective countries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THE TALK
We cannot rely on herd immunity as the level required to reach herd immunity is too high for any population to achieve it without vaccinations. This panel of experts discussed how vaccines do take into account different mutations of Covid-19 virus and hence are still effective against it. Vaccines are necessary as they help build antibodies in the body. Social distancing measures still need to be continued even after one is vaccinated as it takes time for vaccines to work and antibodies to be developed hence it is advised that all those vaccinated continue the social distancing measures and wearing of masks even after the doses are administered.
The session was carried out Live on Getz Pharma’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GetzPharmaInternational/)
The Panelists were:
The session was moderated by Dr. Wajiha Javed – Head of Public Health & Research, Getz Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
You are about to be redirected to an online retailer’s website. Getz Pharma is not liable for any data exchange on the new website
You will be redirected in 3secs
Disclaimer: "This message (including attachment) is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or reproduction of this message is prohibited and that, you must not take any action in reliance on it. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrived incomplete or contain viruses; therefore Getz Pharma (Private) Limited cannot accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender or Getz Pharma (Private) Limited at [email protected] immediately and destroy the original message."
Close
