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Opinions on Saturday, January 2, 2021
Columnist: Band AA Khalifa, MD, MPH, MBA
2021-01-02
Band AA Khalifa, MD, MPH, MBA, Author
The Covid-19 pandemic has provided fertile ground for conspiracy theorists to spread falsehoods and deliberate misinformation about the origin, prevention, treatment, and true magnitude of COVID-19 deaths.
The phenomenon of conspiracy theory is not new. In times of uncertainty, people feel more vulnerable; therefore, they tend to seek alternative explanations that are often elusive.
The conspiracy theories surrounding covid19 have been amplified by multiple social media outlets and influential individuals in society.
Conspiracy theorists have taken the opportunity to hint that global elites are trying to control population growth or track people by incorporating tracking devices into vaccines. So far, there are a total of six vaccines available for public use, in limited quantities. More than 4.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in 16 countries since the vaccine was approved.
As a physician, public health expert, and recent scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Drug Safety and Efficacy (CDSE), I am concerned about the level of misinformation on Ghana’s social media platforms. Furthermore, the deafening silence from the public health infrastructure to educate the general public on the current development of the COVID-19 vaccine is disturbing. I take this opportunity to address some of the frequently asked questions about the recently approved COVID-19 vaccines.
HOW VACCINES WORK
Generally, vaccines work by strengthening the human body’s own immune system to fight infection. This is accomplished by stimulating the body to produce adequate immune cells to fight specific pathogens. The SARS-COV-2 vaccine works by helping the body make antibodies against a specific viral protein called the spike protein. The coronavirus uses its spike protein to access the human cell to multiply and cause infection. By blocking the viral spike protein, the virus cannot enter the human cell or spread to different parts of the body. The COVID-19 vaccine does not alter our DNA as most conspiracy theorists pretend.
HOW WAS THE COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPED?
Several pharmaceutical companies are working around the clock to develop a safe and effective vaccine. Several companies are at different stages of the clinical trial process using various mechanisms. The COVID-19 vaccine was developed through robust and scientifically proven clinical trials. More than 40,000 volunteers from various backgrounds enrolled in the clinical trial process to determine the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The phases of clinical trials consist of phases I, II and III. No stage in the vaccine development process involved the incorporation of tracking devices or harmful materials capable of depopulating the world.
HOW SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE
Results from clinical trials indicate that currently used vaccines are more than 90% effective. This level of efficacy is perhaps one of the highest in the history of vaccine development. This level of effectiveness means that the vast majority of those who receive the vaccine will not become infected or develop serious disease. Study participants did not report any serious safety concerns. The bottom line is that recently approved vaccines are safe and effective. However, minor side effects are expected, like any other vaccine.
SHOULD WE GET VACCINATED?
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine should be administered once it is available to the general public. The vaccine will offer protection against COVID-19 infection. Also, getting the vaccine will protect you from developing serious symptoms even if you become infected. Another benefit of taking the vaccine is offering protection to those who do not have access to the vaccine through the mechanism called “herd immunity. We should all embrace the vaccine when we have the opportunity to take it.
WHY GET A VACCINE WHEN THE VIRUS LETTITUDE RATE IS LOW
The available data suggest that a specific category of people develop very serious infections, while others remain asymptomatic but infectious. We can never be 100% sure who will develop a serious illness, so preventing the initial infection is the best option. Second, vaccination is a faster and safer way to end the pandemic than letting the virus run its course. Finally, vaccination will relieve pressure on the health infrastructure by limiting the number of hospitalizations.
WHY DO WE NEED TWO DOSES OF SOME VACCINES?
The first dose is to stimulate the body and prepare the immune system for an initial response. The second dose acts as a booster to strengthen the immune response.
WHY WAS THE VACCINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ACCELERATED?
Traditional vaccine development processes take many years to manufacture the vaccine in sufficient quantities. The schedule for the COVID-19 vaccine was shortened because phases I and II were carried out simultaneously. The high number of new infections made it possible to know more quickly the result of the trial. Finally, there has been a significant investment in the development of the covid-19 vaccine.
BOTTOM LINE
Social media is an incredible tool for effective communication; however, the spread of misinformation and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories can potentially affect our effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid and effective scientific response and exchange of information relevant to COVID-19 among public health professionals, the general public, and policy makers are critical to addressing misinformation.
Band AA Khalifa, MD, MPH, MBA.
COVID-19 Program Manager: Baltimore City Department of Health
Implementation Science Researcher: Johns Hopkins University
Scholar: Johns Hopkins University Center for Drug Safety and Efficacy
[email protected]
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