MORE data will be available on the efficacy of existing Covid-19 vaccines against Omicron in the coming weeks, so for now, getting the booster shot is one of the best defences, health experts said.

Immunopathologist Dr Sibrandes Poppema said there is currently no information on the efficacy of existing Covid-19 vaccines against Omicron.

“The data will become available in the next few weeks. The vaccines do not stop Covid-19, but they continue to reduce the risk of serious disease and death,” the Sunway University president said, stressing the importance of vaccination.

Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, the Sunway University dean of the School of Medical, Life Sciences noted that vaccine manufactures such as Pfizer-BioNTech have been working towards an Omicron-based vaccine.

Yet, until one is available, keeping your booster shot appointment and accepting the dose is important.

Abhi observed that some people still do not understand that vaccine protection, in general, wanes over time, referring to people who are not keen on receiving a booster shot and who insist on comparing the different vaccines.

The length of immunity after vaccination with the first two doses can depend on individual factors and vary from person to person, including age, existing medical conditions, and current medication.

“We need to consider the fact that the proportion and socio-demographic profiles of Malaysians who received the different types of vaccines, are quite different.

“So, interpreting the number of cases merely by the type of vaccine an individual has received, is like comparing durians and rambutans.”

Abhi stressed the importance of booster jabs, as studies have shown that the shot will elevate antibody levels and immune cell memory.

“They pretty much act like a refresher course so that our immune system does not forget the training it received with the first two doses, and continues to be primed to fight the virus when it encounters it again.”

BioNTech SE, which is the partner of Pfizer Inc, said recently it had started work on a vaccine for this variant.

An updated version of a vaccine tailored for Omicron could be rolled out in 100 days, if the variant remains resistant to the current make.

Pfizer’s chief Albert Bourla said existing shots could “protect less”, and that would mean that a new vaccine will have to be created.

Sinovac is also closely monitoring studies and collecting samples to determine whether a new vaccine is required.

Abhi added that inequality in vaccine distribution must also be addressed.

“The most effective way of preventing the risk of variants of concern is by increasing vaccine equity. It is evident that the variants of concerns have and will continue to emerge from populations that have lowest vaccine uptake.

“I laud the recent decision by the government to donate 800,000 vaccine doses to Bangladesh and Laos.

“More countries, especially in the developed world need to stop hoarding excess vaccines and focus on global vaccine redistribution to low- and middle-income countries.

“The emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the mantra “we are only safe if everyone is safe #kitajagakita.” – December 13, 2021.