‘Vaccine will flatten Covid curve despite recent spike’
The recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the UAE is a worrying trend, but the curve will flatten as vaccines start producing antibodies, experts have said. This happens within 14 days after a person takes his or her second dose.
The UAE recorded 3,362 cases on Wednesday — the second consecutive day that over 3,000 cases were reported in 24 hours. However, Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chairperson of the National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee, is confident that the number of cases will decline soon.
“Of course, we are worried. The numbers are going up. The only way to control the numbers is by following the precautions and taking the vaccine. The number of cases will fall, but it will take time. The vaccine is effective 14 days after taking the second dose. So, till we see that effect, it will take some time,” said Dr Nawal, who is the principal investigator of Phase III vaccine clinical trials carried out in the UAE.
The second dose is administered 21 days after the first one. And within the 14-day period after taking the second shot, antibodies will be produced against the infection. As on Monday, nearly 250,000 people had received the second dose.
Speaking to Khaleej Times in an interview held at G42 Healthcare’s office in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, Dr Nawal reiterated the need for fully vaccinated people to continue taking precautionary measures. “Hopefully, we will be able to bring the numbers down. I think people are tired. I totally understand that. But if they follow the precautions, things should be okay soon.”
Explaining the importance of taking the jab, the experts said these vaccines — which are proven safe and effective — would prevent a person from getting severe Covid infection.
This is a safe vaccine. The efficacy is really good. It has 100 per cent efficacy in preventing severe disease, which is great. What else would you want from a vaccine?” Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chairperson, National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee
Even if you get the infection after taking the vaccine, you will not feel it. Even if you feel it, it will be a very mild flu.” Dr Walid Zaher, chief research officer and vaccine project leader, G42 Healthcare
The Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, in particular, offers 100 per cent protection from moderate and severe forms of Covid-19. Its overall efficacy rate is 86 per cent.
Dr Walid Zaher, chief research officer and vaccine project leader of G42 Healthcare, told Khaleej Times: “Think about the (Covid-19) vaccine the same way you are taking the flu vaccine. If you are taking the flu vaccine, sometimes you don’t get the flu at all and sometimes you get the flu but in a very mild form. Covid-19 at the end of the day is a flu, a very nasty bad flu.
“And the vaccine works in the same way. It will either prevent you completely from having the disease or there is a remote chance that you get an infection. Even if you get it (infection) after taking the vaccine, you will not feel it. Even if you feel it, it will be a very mild flu.
“(The vaccine) will prevent you completely from having any severe or moderate side effects (from Covid-19).”
Dr Nawal added: “This is a safe vaccine. All the side effects that we have seen were expected and we have seen it with other vaccines, and maybe even less compared with other vaccines. The efficacy is really good. It has 100 per cent efficacy in preventing severe disease, which is great.
What else would you want from a vaccine?” Dr Nawal asked.
She then emphasised that vaccination doesn’t mean 100 per cent protection against infection. “(Though) you are protected 100 per cent against severe infection, there is a chance to acquire a disease. So, it is important for people who have taken the vaccine to continue to wear masks...and follow all the precautions.”