KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — An infectious disease expert has compared getting a new updated Covid-19 vaccine to updating your mobile phone’s operating system regularly. This is less about fighting a battle and more about embracing our newfound wisdom and tools to live fully and safely in a world that continues to adapt.
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore, sheds light on this perspective by comparing regular Covid-19 booster shots to updating our mobile phones.
“Keeping our vaccinations current is akin to updating your mobile phone’s operating system regularly. We update our phone operating system regularly. With each update, the body is better protected against other viruses and malware. With the same reasoning, you need to be updated with the latest vaccine,” explained Dr Leong.
The need for booster vaccines, particularly among the more vulnerable segments of our community such as older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, remains significant. Their bolstered protection is crucial in maintaining the freedom and activities we cherish.
He explained that immunity by infection wanes with time in about three to six months, lower for the elderly or the immunocompromised and higher for younger people.
“You can be infected again and again. And the nightmare repeats itself,” said Dr Leong. “The Covid-19 vaccine serves as a critical update for the body, training it to combat the mutated virus more effectively. Post-vaccination, individuals will see a reduction in the risks of death and hospitalisation. While no vaccination is entirely foolproof, the vaccine offers substantial safeguards, particularly for the vulnerable.”
Even with the availability of antiviral treatments for Covid-19, the disease’s impact on public health remains significant. People contracting the virus may face isolation, resulting in lost workdays and a strain on businesses.
For children, absences from school due to infection hinder their learning progress and social development. These consequences highlight the enduring truth that preventing an illness is more beneficial than treating it post-infection.
The Science Speaks: The Case for Updated Vaccines
A recent report by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the updated 2023-2024 Covid-19 vaccine, released last September, was about 54 per cent effective in protection from symptoms of Covid-19 infection.
Remarkably, this efficacy extends to the JN.1 variant, which predominated in the United States from January this year, despite the vaccine being initially designed for the XBB.1.5 strain.
Dr Leong highlighted that vaccines are generally effective in preventing severe illness. “The 54 per cent efficacy refers to reducing the likelihood of becoming ill. When it comes to preventing hospitalisation and death, the effectiveness is higher.”
The CDC has also issued a recommendation for an additional Covid-19 booster shot using the updated 2023-2024 vaccine for those aged 65 and older. “This recommendation is aimed at providing older adults with extra protection from this season’s Covid-19, crucial since the majority of Covid-related hospitalisations and deaths last year were among this age group,” explained Dr Mandy Cohen, director of CDC.
The CDC’s records reveal that Covid-19 cases in the US have historically peaked during January and August, indicating a pattern of seasonal outbreaks.
A Plea for Proactivity: Beyond Health to Economic Resilience
The disease persistent threat, compounded by diminishing natural and vaccine-induced immunities, underscores the necessity for proactive health measures.
“Neglecting vaccination not only risks public health but also economic stability. We’re facing a ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ scenario where the cost of outbreaks far exceeds the investment in vaccination,” warned Dr Leong.
Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal, a public health medicine expert and professor of epidemiology at Universiti Malaya has called on the Malaysian government to procure updated Covid-19 vaccines. He emphasised the importance of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of implementing a public programme that provides fully subsidised vaccines.
“Vaccines are particularly cost-effective for older individuals and those with certain pre-existing health conditions,” stated Dr Sanjay.
“Their value also hinges on the potential reduction in complication rates and healthcare costs. While updated vaccines remain crucial for prevention, we must balance priorities and make rational decisions based on the current economic climate.”
Yet, Malaysia remains silent on its vaccination strategy for the year, a stance that could benefit from urgent review and action. By embracing updated vaccines and adapting strategies to current realities, Malaysia can safeguard not only its citizens’ health but also its economic future.
