‘TAKE VACCINE IF CHANCE AVAILS’

MBABANE - “Take the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine if the chance presents itself.”

Marcus Maw, a Virologist and Bacteriologist from the United Kingdom (UK) gave out this advice specifically to emaSwati, following reports that the said vaccine was not effective on the South African COVID-19 variant.

Maw shared his advice yesterday in an interview, while stating that Eswatini was close to his heart and he wished to let emaSwati know that they should not be shaken by the new findings.

Maw is currently married to a liSwati woman and they have a home in Malkerns.

However, he is currently in the UK. 

Inconclusive 

Explaining why emaSwati should take the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine despite the unsettling reports that it is less effective on the SA variant, Maw said the findings were inconclusive because the tests were conducted among 2 000 people who were within the same age range.

“In order for findings to be more compelling, trials should be conducted among a group of people larger than 2 000. Also, the people have to be from different age ranges,” said Maw.

He said as much as the said vaccine had 10 per cent efficacy against the South African variant, that was still significant.

“This means that those who do not contract the South African variant, which may comprise of the larger population, may be saved as well. It is better to try to be safe than not to try at all,” said Maw.

Also, he said generally, viruses mutated over time, meaning they changed their biological form.

“There are now over 1 000 COVID-19 variants and it is anticipated that there will be over 3 000 by next year. This means just like flu jabs, COVID-19 jabs will change according to the variants and the times.

“Companies try to be up-to-date with the virus mutations and they produce vaccinations accordingly. This means the make up of the jabs will change from time to time and people might find themselves getting jabs at least every two years. In the meantime, it is wise to take the available jabs,” he said.

He went on to state that people should remember that not only did the vaccine give them immunity, but it also reduced transmission, which was one important aspect of it.

He strongly encouraged emaSwati to take the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine if it was available.

Change

World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Promotion Officer Dr Kevin Makadzange shared Maw’s sentiments, saying the country had not decided to change the vaccine candidate (Oxford AstraZeneca) until compelling evidence was brought forward that it would not be effective in the country.

Also, Dr Makadzange said they were fast-tracking the enrolment of vaccines among healthcare workers, despite the new findings.

“Our aim is that by the time the third wave starts, all healthcare workers are vaccinated,” said Dr Makadzange. 

When asked whether the country should anticipate a third wave, he said it was hard to tell at the moment.

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