KUALA LUMPUR – “If the Covid-19 virus mutates, God willing, the vaccine designed by scientists will still be effective,” an expert said, when commenting on whether it is necessary to create a new vaccine if the virus mutates.
KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital consultant paediatrician Dr Musa Mohd Nordin said this is because the human body is “intelligent”, as it not only releases antibodies to kill a virus, but also produces ones that have immunological memory.
He said even if the level of antibodies decreases, the human body has memory cells that can produce new antibodies when attacked by a virus.
“Despite a decrease (in antibodies), there are only about 30 cases of reinfections so far. Imagine, out of the more than 80 million Covid-19 cases, the ones infected a second time are only about 30,” he said at a programme last night.
On vaccine safety, Dr Musa said experts consider a two-month period as being sufficient to identify more than 90% of the main side effects.
He said so far, those side effects, such as pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, are minor and usually heal within two days.
He added systemic effects, such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue and fever, are about 50%, especially for those below 55 and have received a second dose of the jab.
“This is a small side effect after immunisation. There are no warnings of greater danger. I hope Malaysians remain open-minded and not be influenced by social media reports, which are not based on proof, arguments and facts. We must check the facts.” – Bernama, January 6, 2021
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