[ 2021-02-25 ]

Continue to observe Coronavirus protocols after taking vaccine – Virologist
A virologist with the Kumasi Center for
Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine
(KCCR), Dr. Michael Owusu, has advised Ghanaians
to continue to religiously observe protocols on
Covid-19 especially the wearing of nose masks even
after they have been vaccinated against the virus

In an interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM and a
repeat broadcast on Connect FM’s Orekodo Kasie
Bo, Dr. Owusu explained the efficacy of the
Covid-19 vaccine could have both geographic and
system variation, hence the need that “nothing
be taken for granted”.

“…I will advise that, continue to wear your
nose mask after you have received a shot of the
vaccine. We have the belief that because the
vaccine has been successful in another
jurisdiction, it will also work here. But you must
realize that our bodies respond differently…what
for example works in the UK, may work differently
elsewhere. But the assumption is that because it
has worked in the UK, we should go ahead and use
it. But because of the body differences, after the
vaccination, you must encourage people to wear
nose mask, observe both social and physical
distancing. Then we continue to monitor and see.
So, you remember the FDA said after the
vaccination, they will follow you to collect data
so they see how effective or otherwise the vaccine
is”.

He, however, advised Ghanaians not to shy away
from the vaccine but avail themselves to be
vaccinated.

Meanwhile, news of the arrival of the first batch
of Covid-19 vaccine has been received by residents
of Sekondi-Takoradi and its environs with mixed
feelings.

For a large section of residents whose views were
sampled by Connect FM, they were skeptical about
the efficacy of the vaccine.

“I sincerely don’t believe that the vaccine
will do anything. The literature on the Corona
Virus is many, confusing and contradictory in my
opinion. Studies on the virus remain largely
inconclusive in most cases. What I know is that
the vaccine was developed for the first variant.
Now, we are told there has been a new variant. So,
my question is, is the vaccine for the old or new
variant or for both. You see how confusing this is
becoming”, a Takoradi-based businessman told our
reporter.

For 35-year-old Esi Kwakyi, “…I am worried
that we could not come out with a home grown or
traditional remedy to help us. I believe our case
is different in terms of climatic conditions and
what have you. And I heard some traditional
medicines were being tested. Where are the
findings. Seriously, I will not go for the shot.

“I will continue to observe the safety protocols
set forth by government and I will be fine. I will
also steam myself with some local remedies which I
have been doing since last year”, a taxi driver
said.

For Michael Appiah, a car dealer, he noted that,
“the only thing that will compel me to take the
vaccine is when it becomes mandatory when u are
traveling outside the country just like the Yellow
Fever thing. Apart from that I, my wife and two
children will not go near it”.

Rollout date

A statement issued by the Minister -designate for
Information says the vaccines will be deployed to
health facilities from Tuesday, March 2.

But a social commentator Charles Minataba is
alarmed with the alacrity at which government
intends to roll out the vaccination.

“…today’s date is Tuesday, February 24 and
to want roll out in a week’s time. How? At least
I’ve not heard anywhere about talks of our
scientists also running independent checks on how
efficacious the vaccine is. How is it going to
behave? What should you do? Who do you contact or
where do you go in the event of any adverse
reaction? These are legitimate questions that
government must address before any talk of roll
out", he said.

According to him, already many Ghanaians are not
enthused about the vaccine and therefore the need
for “specific and targeted” education on the
vaccine.

“Until that is done, I don’t see why
government should roll out. It appears government
is in a rush. In a rush to see what?” he asked.

Source - 3 News

... go Back