[ad_1]
Vaccines will not end the pandemic and leaders should not raise false hopes, warns a senior UK government adviser.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Welcome Trust, wrote to the Observer that the first vaccines would probably not be completely effective. The creation of high expectations and the rush in drug production jeopardizes public confidence in the vaccination programs that will eventually be developed, he characteristically wrote.
Erdogan continues with aggressive rhetoric – Dangerous game with cars in Andrianoupolis
Farrar, a member of the British government’s Scientific Council for Emergencies (wise), also took aim at so-called “vaccine nationalism”, saying supplies should be distributed fairly and not end up in warehouses in wealthier countries.
Britain’s vaccines should be distributed to those most in need first, he said, calling for steps to be taken to limit the spread of the virus to vulnerable groups of young adults who are becoming more positive for the coronavirus.
“We are facing a chaotic winter”
“We are facing a chaotic winter, in which schools and businesses will open and close again and again,” says Farrar. “We have to do everything possible to stop it. The first vaccine may not have the end that will allow us to return to normal in a few months, but using its doses wisely to those who need it most, creating honest and appropriate public health messages to the public who do not believe false expectations, we will be able to increase the chances that the situation that prevailed at the beginning of 2020 will be repeated ”.
More than 170 research teams from around the world are trying to develop an effective vaccine against the coronavirus. Nine of them have reached the stage of extensive clinical trials, but no one can guarantee their effectiveness.
“I am optimistic that we will soon have the results of the final phases of the clinical trials of the first vaccines,” Farrar said. “However, we must restrain our optimism, discussions about a perfect vaccine that will soon be ready or will be immediately administered to everyone.”
“The speed and scope of vaccine development are already remarkable, but we have yet to avoid vain hopes.”
Last month, Kate Binham, chair of Britain’s vaccine task force, announced that access to six of the most promising vaccines had been secured. Farrar praised the team’s efforts, but still notes that the vaccines will not be perfect.
“The first generation of coronavirus vaccines will probably only be partially effective,” he explains. “They may not be fully effective for all ages or they may not be suitable for all health systems.” It is very likely that they offer immunity for only a limited time, even if only for 12 or 18 months. ”
The urgent need to find a vaccine “should not translate into compromises about its safety,” he continues.
“Trust is the most important public health tool and we must do everything we can to avoid putting it in jeopardy. It cannot be bought on short-term promises.” There are already worrying signs of decreased confidence in potential coronavirus vaccines. ”
Vaccine research is increasingly being described as a race on the road, with world leaders using the research to benefit their own nationalistic ambitions. Vladimir Putin announced the launch of the Russian vaccine, Sputnik-V, in triumph last month. Donald Trump is pressuring American health officials, claiming that the American vaccine will be ready in October.
The United States has withdrawn from the WHO COVAX mechanism, through which the 75 richest countries have pledged to help finance the vaccine for the 90 poorest.
Britain has saved 250-250 million to buy 340 million doses of vaccine, more than any other country per capita.
“Only 20% to 30% of the British population will need immediate access to the vaccine,” Farrar said. “Britain’s position will be much stronger if it allocates the additional quotas to COVAX.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
Majorkinis: My conspiracy theories cause melancholy
[ad_2]
