How will COVID-19 vaccines stop coronavirus in its tracks?
Dubai: The creation of vaccines against COVID-19 has been a bioengineering feat setting a record in research, manufacture, approvals and administration.
So far, we know that at least five active vaccinations (DNA, RNA, Viral Vector, Viral Subunit, Live attenuated, Inactivated, Virus Like Particles, Split Virus Vaccines, Ribonucleo Protein vaccine) have been created. In the passive vaccination variety, the monoclonal, polyclonal anti-bodies, the Convalescent Plasma and mRNA induced antibodies vaccine are available.
As vaccines receive approval and many have proved to have between 85-95 per cent efficacy, there is a sense of cautious optimism in the healthcare community.
Vaccine as a best line of defense
Dr Atul Aundhekar, CEO of Avivo Health Care Group who has been closely following the vaccine trials said: “Whatever the vaccine detractors might say, history has been witness to the fact that we have successfully eradicated small pox, effectively controlled polio and a host of lethal disease by running an effective vaccine programmes. So far, there is very little data on how the new COVID-19 vaccines will work in case of pregnant women, those with thyroid and diabetes and other comorbidites.
However, even if the vaccines are able to provide 90 per cent cover against the deadly disease it will help us steal a march over the pandemic. The vaccine cannot cover all strains of the virus, there are bound to be several sub strains are likely to be left out.
However, if it helps our body produce anti-bodies against the basic sub-strains, we can be hopeful. There is little evidence for how long the vaccine will provide the cover and how many doses will be required annually. This is work in progress. We have broken ground now and the next few years will be very crucial.”
https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/how-will-covid-19-vaccines-stop-coronavirus-in-its-tracks-1.75472439
