With the time frame being reduced for vaccine development, the doubts about the potential risks involved are much higher, especially in people already affected by Covid-19.
Let us understand the immunity from a prior infection compares with the protection given by the new vaccines.
Two recent studies have confirmed that people previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, can be reinfected with the virus.
The person in Hong Kong showed no symptoms on the second infection, while the case from Reno, Nevada, had a more severe disease the second time around. It is therefore unclear if an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 will protect against subsequent reinfection.
Immunity from the disease takes a few days before immune cells that recognize the specific pathogen are activated and expanded to control the infection.
After the infection is resolved, T and B cells, called memory cells, take a few days before immune cells that recognize the specific pathogen are activated and expanded to control the infection.
On the other hand, the antigens in the vaccine are derived from weakened or noninfectious material from the virus as it mimics this primary infection, and thus generating memory cells that can be activated rapidly in the event of a real infection.
Vaccines have other advantages over natural infections. For one, they can be designed to focus the immune system against specific antigens that elicit better responses.
The vaccine contains high concentrations of a viral coat protein, more than what would occur in a natural infection. This triggers strongly neutralizing antibodies, making the vaccine very effective at preventing infection.
- Do you need to take it even if you had Corona? After how many days of getting cured?
Dr. Arun Wadhwa, a senior consultant pediatrician said that yes you need to take it even if you had Corona. But that will be last on the priority list. You can let others take who probably need more than you. You might need it earlier if you did not develop an antibody response.
- Can it be administered to an individual who has received plasma as a treatment for Covid?
Dr. Wadhwa said that the donor plasma contains anti-Covid-19 antibodies and may suppress the immune response to the vaccine. As it is, those who have recovered from Covid-19 may not need the vaccine in the early phases.
- Surveys Reveal Vaccine-Hesitancy in India
The GOQii Covid-19 – The Way Forward survey was conducted with approximately 11,000 respondents to understand the openness to take the vaccine, the perception of the government measures to combat Covid-19, possible future measures including a lockdown.
About 53 percent of the population is unsure about taking the covid-19 vaccine, the survey revealed.
The survey further added that out of them, 43 percent revealed that they are not sure and will only make a solid opinion post initial results about the effectiveness of the vaccine is revealed while 10 percent are firmly against taking the vaccine as of now.
- What if I do not want to take the vaccine? Will it be made mandatory?
“In the majority of countries, it will not be mandatory. You have to choose between the new viral disease with no specific treatment and a new vaccine. The choice is yours. As initially there will be a huge demand-supply gap, by not taking a vaccine you can help others,” said Dr. Wadhwa.
