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F. Jankevičius, director of the Santara clinics, emphasized that the infectivity of the new virus strain is higher. He said that it would be a great burden for Lithuania if this virus were to spread, because even now the situation in medical institutions is very complicated.
“What we know from the literature is that the contagion of this strain and the mutated virus is greater. But if the course of the disease is changing, if it is becoming more aggressive or resistant to vaccines, we do not yet have that data.
We can hope that if that variety is spread more widely, it would lead to a greater number of infectious cases and, of course, the number of hospitalizations could increase significantly. What would be a very large load that we now have trouble lifting? ”Said F. Jankevičius.
According to him, Santara clinics are monitoring coronavirus testing, pointing to people who have come from the UK, working as long-distance drivers and others to see if there may be mutations in the virus.
“In this case, it is necessary to carry out the entire sequence of the virus genome. In the Santara clinics we have identified 7 cases in which they can be suspected and now we are performing the sequencing, we still do not have final studies. If the mutation is confirmed, We will know today or tomorrow, then we will seek contacts, we will try to prevent the spread of this new mutation, ”said F. Jankevičius.
Kaunas Clinic virus variants have not yet been detected
Renaldas Jurkevičius, director of the Kaunas clinics, told the committee meeting that he had investigated 60 suspected cases in Kaunas.
“To date more than 60 viral genomes have been tested {…} What are the results? The results so far are good. We could not find the B.1.1.7 line virus, which is now mentioned as having a spike in that mutation, ”said R. Jurkevičius.
“This does not mean that we do not have this new virus line in Lithuania. But it allows a little more peaceful life that this virus has not yet spread in Lithuania ”, added R. Jurkevičius.
According to the director of the Kaunas clinics, the spread of the virus mutation in Lithuania would mean that perhaps 70% of the public’s immunity would not be enough. vaccination of the population, and perhaps 75% should be or more.
“The later the new line arrives in Lithuania, the greater the time reserve. It is clear that it is very important for us hospitals, because even now the hospitals are overcrowded, if that spread were, it would be even more difficult for all of us. ”, Said R. Jurkevičius.
Scientist: “The probability that he is not with us is probably small enough”
Tomas Kačergius, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Vilnius University, spoke at the committee meeting.
“They are special because they have multiple mutations and these mutations are located in that S protein that forms the virus needles. As a result, there has been such a strong response to this whole situation.
The new variant is characterized by stronger binding to cell receptors and greater efficiency. Fortunately, research shows that it does not complicate the course of the disease, ”said the researcher.
What is the actual extent of the spread in Lithuania?
“It just came to our knowledge then. This requires certain monitoring systems. Sequencing studies that would cover a larger section of the population.
I think that this option may be with us in Lithuania, given the emigration flows between the UK and Lithuania. A lot of people work, a lot of them go forward, backward.
The probability that he is not with us is probably small enough. This requires larger-scale sequencing studies showing the real situation, ”said T. Kačergius.
More research is needed to see if the vaccine will be effective against new variants of the mutated virus.
“They are planned and they will definitely be done. So now to guess if the vaccine works or not and scare the public, I think we shouldn’t do that, “added T. Kačergius.
Frontline doctors expected to be vaccinated in January
On Monday, the National Security and Defense Committee (NSGC) of the Seimas discussed the additional vaccination plan, when we can expect a breakthrough in Lithuania, when we will enter mass vaccination.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Živilė Simonaitytė, stated that according to the plans now planned to bring doses of vaccines to Lithuania, mass vaccination of the population is not planned in the first quarter of this year. He noted that the situation is constantly changing.
“On the one hand, it’s sad, on the other hand, it gives time to prepare,” said Vice Minister Ž. Simonaitytė noted that when he came to work at the ministry two weeks ago, there was no vaccination plan.
Ž. Simonaitytė said that in January we could vaccinate all doctors who work directly with covid patients: doctors, nurses, assistants and all volunteers who work side by side.
Based on the priorities set by the experts, the second group whose vaccination will begin later is the wards and residents of the nursing home. According to the vice minister, 50 percent. this group of people becomes ill, and often the situation ends sadly. Older people with chronic diseases will be vaccinated even later.
According to her, an information line for non-native speakers is planned in the near future. He plans to ensure the participation of the municipalities so that the population receives more information from local doctors and the public.
The committee also discussed public sentiment regarding COVID-19 vaccination. The different results of the public opinion poll on coronavirus vaccination were discussed.
The meeting also discussed “how to strengthen public immunity to tax misinformation.”
Last week, the Presidency announced that a survey commissioned by the Baltijos tyrimai company found that almost 70% of 37% of those surveyed said they would be vaccinated against COVID-19. 31% of the respondents answered “really yes”. – “faster yes”, 13% each. answered negatively or rather negatively. 6 percent. said they didn’t know. A total of 517 residents were interviewed.
From October 9-18, a public opinion poll was conducted for Vilmorus on behalf of the BNS, during which 1,000 people were interviewed in their homes. respondents showed that 42.9% would receive the COVID-19 vaccine. surveyed. 42.5 percent. said not vaccinated, 14.7 percent. he had no opinion.
PHOTO GALLERY. In Kaunas clinics, doctors started the COVID-19 vaccine
The first COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer was delivered to Lithuania on Saturday and doctors began vaccinating it on Sunday.
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