Mass inoculation key to checking COVID-19: experts

Amid the prediction that the third wave of coronavirus pandemic can set in any time after mid-August, experts have reiterated that the one method to beat the virus is by scaling up the mass vaccination programme.

“ The third wave looks imminent. There can be no end to such waves if the majority of the population is not vaccinated. The only possible safeguard is to ensure that more people are vaccinated,” mentioned Dr. Paul Kelly, advisor infectious illnesses and medical director at Bronx Care Centre for Travel Medicine, New York.

He was talking in regards to the Sars CoV-2 variants of the virus and vaccine efficacy at a webinar organised by the Andhra Medical College (AMC). “The virus is mutating quickly and this has become a concern for the medical and research fraternity. So, the vaccination should happen fast and in bulk,” he mentioned.

Multiple mutations

The pandemic started in China with the D614 mom variant within the early 2020. It mutated to G614 whereas it was Alpha B1.1.7 within the U.K. after which it was Beta B.1.351. The Brazil Gamma P.1 and Epsilon California variants mixed to type the B.1.617.2, which is called the Delta variant which induced havoc in India through the second wave, he defined.

“The Delta variant is at least 100 to 110 times more powerful and infectious than the mother variant of D614,” mentioned Dr. Kelly.

AMC principal P.V. Sudhakar mentioned the virus was mutating sooner than anticipated. “Multiple mutations make it difficult to know critical aspects of the virus such as rate of transmission, severity of illness and efficacy of vaccines. We need to stop the mutation and vaccination of the entire population is the key,” mentioned Dr. Sudhakar.

Dr. Sridhar Chilimuri, doctor in chief and chairman of Department of Medicine of Bronx Care Hospital Centre, New York, mentioned two vaccine doses are protected as of now. But sooner or later, booster doses might need to be taken to hold the virus at bay. “The delay in vaccination increases the chances of the virus undergoing mutation which means possibilities of multiple waves,” he mentioned.

Referring to the vaccination drive, Dr. Sudhakar mentioned virtually 95% of inhabitants within the 45 plus age class (12 to 13 lakh) in Visakhapatnam district have been vaccinated with two doses whereas 90% of the well being care staff have been inoculated.

“Given a population of more than 40 lakh, it is still a long way to go. The focus should now be on 18 to 45 age category, which accounts for bulk of the population. The earlier it is done, the safer people are,” mentioned Dr. Sudhakar.

The wave sample, he mentioned, is determined by three components – agent, host and setting. “With the relaxation of restrictions, the possibility of spread is more. So people must not let the guard down. Wearing mask, sanitising hands regularly and keeping away of crowd are must irrespective of vaccination status,” he mentioned.