Suara.com – The emergence of a new variant of the Covid-19 virus raises public concern that it will affect its effectiveness vaccine existing today.
In Indonesia itself, it has been confirmed that the B117 variant is a mutation of the corona virus from the UK.
However, a specialist in internal medicine, prof. Dr. dr. Iris Rengganis, Sp.PD-KAI., Confirmed that the Covid-19 vaccine available at this time can still be used and is not affected by the virus mutation.
“This variant is known to be more infectious, more virulent, so if we don’t have good immunity we will be infected very quickly. Because it’s a vaccine that is currently still effective, meaning we can still use the current vaccine,” said Prof. Iris in a webinar with Entrasol. , Sunday (7/3/2021)
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He explained that mutations are common for any type of virus in an effort to defend themselves.
“The live RNA virus must mutate to sustain its life. Like the influenza virus, it’s a common thing. But if the mutation is massive, of course the effectiveness of vaccines will no longer be useful,” he explained.
According to Iris, the mutation of the corona virus can still be controlled with available vaccines. Even so, research on vaccines will certainly continue to be carried out. Until later it is not impossible that the Covid-19 vaccine will also be changed, as happened with the influenza vaccine.
“Influenza has changed the vaccine every year because some viruses have mutated. So, the strain of the vaccine must be adjusted. But for now it is still possible,” he said.
Before the corona virus mutated more and more, Prof. Iris reminded the importance of accelerating the formation of herd immunity in the community at the same time. The goal is that before the Covid-19 variant becomes more complex, most people already have immunity so that they are not easily infected.
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“Health protocol must also be maintained. Because if we do not simultaneously reach herf immunity, there are still many holes, of course the transmission can continue. Especially if there is a new virus like this,” he said.
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