17 March 2021 06:41 pm Views - 4824
The COVID-19 vaccines don't prevent asymptomatic infection, so those who have been vaccinated can still develop infection and spread it, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Neelika Malavige said.
She told the Daily Mirror that the vaccine might prevent asymptomatic infection in some individuals, but not in all.
“Although a person who is vaccinated could still get infected with the virus, his/her viral strain could be less and also the volume of virus in that person’s respiratory secretions is also less, thus the transmission level is less,” Prof. Malavige underscored.
“No vaccine has been proved that they can prevent asymptomatic infection and thus a person, who had got the two doses of vaccine, could still be tested positive with virus through an RT-PCR test. However, here such chances are minimal,” she said.
“This is why masks and social distancing is still considered madatory. Hence, it is essential for the people to strictly abide by the health guidelines such as hand hygiene, wearinh face masks, and social distancing,” she stressed.
However, she said vaccines are very effective in preventing severe disease and death. "Not only COVID-19 vaccines but some other childhood vaccines don't completely prevent asymptomatic infection but when sufficient numbers are immunised, they reduce transmission and we don't have any problems with them," she added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)