‘Vaccines show wide immune response’
THE COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved and those under development are expected to provide at least some protection against new virus variants, Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said while delivering a ministerial statement on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Parliament yesterday.
Dr Waqainabete said the vaccines showed a wide immune response.
“Therefore, changes or mutations in the virus should not make vaccines completely ineffective,” he said.
“While science has proven that the new vaccines will provide some defence to the COVID-19 virus, rigorous and increased compliance with public health mitigation measures, such as physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolations, remains the top as our defence mechanism and is essential to limit the spread of the virus and protect public health.”
Dr Waqainabete said the ministry conducted 35,986 laboratory tests, with an average of 234 tests per day over the past seven days, and an average of 1609 tests per week over the past two weeks.
“Our testing capability now stands at 484 tests per positive case diagnosed, with a ratio of 40 tests per 1000 population.
“We are seeing the continuing increase in testing ratio as our capacity to test continues to improve.”
Opposition MP Dr Antonio Lalabalavu said there was concern on the requirement by vaccine companies that extensive personal information be collected by Government and given to them in addition to information on side-effects.
“While all four vaccines mentioned have efficacy rates in the 70 – 90 per cent range, it is the endpoint that matters in that all four vaccines give you protection against severe symptoms, hospitalisation and death,” he said.
“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine appears more appropriate for Fiji because it is easier to store and transport, and is a single-shot vaccine.
“In terms of the rollout of the vaccine, I have every confidence in the ministry’s vaccination programs.”