COVID-19 coronavirus transmission is still possible even after vaccination, said the head of the centre for virus and vaccine research at Sunway University, Professor Poh Chit Laa.

Infections depend on the viral load present in an infected person, she said.

“If the vaccine is effective, one would expect very low viral load. If transmission occurs, the rate of viral transmission may not be high as very few viruses may remain in the infectious person to be transmitted,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

It takes about four weeks after the first shot for the body to develop immunity by producing neutralising antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells.

“After taking the second dose of vaccination, one should still practise Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) as no vaccine has 100% efficacy.

“The vaccine will reduce viral load in your body but you can still transmit the virus to others.

“Freedom of movement may become possible after herd immunity in the country is at least 80%.”

Developers may also have to manufacture vaccines which can fight new variants of the virus, she said.

Poh is currently working with researchers from Cambridge University in the UK and University of Queensland, Australia, to develop synthetic peptides and nano-vaccines against dengue and SARSCo-V-2.

Her current research interests are focused on the development of antiviral agents and novel vaccines against enterovirus 71 responsible for hand, foot and mouth disease, dengue, influenza and SARSCo-V-2.

More than 500,000 front-liners will receive the vaccine in the first phase of the national Covid-19 immunisation programme, which started on February 24 until April.

The second phase from April to August will target senior citizens as well as vulnerable groups with comorbidity issues and the disabled.

The third phase from May to February 2022 is those above 18.

The campaign aims to immunise 80% of the people in Malaysia, including foreigners. – February 27, 2021.