By Chantalé Fletcher
SINOPHARM vaccines are working well against variants of the Covid-19 virus says Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology at the University of the West Indies Professor Christine Carrington.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health virtual press conference on Saturday, she made reference to a study on the Chinese vaccine in Sri Lanka, which proved that vaccine worked against the virus and its Alpha, Beta and the Delta variants.
The study consisted of 323 individuals who received the Sinopharn vaccine and 36 individuals who had been infected with Sars Cov-2 virus naturally, the professor said.
Prof Carrington said, “It was reported that the Sinopharn vaccine was extremely go at producing antibodies against the virus.
“Ninety-five percent of the study participants developed antibodies against Sars Cov-2 virus after two doses of the vaccine which worked equally well in persons with and without commodities.”
In addition, she stated that 81% of vaccinated individuals those anti bodies included anti bodies that blocked the virus spiked protein from binding to a protein called ACE Receptor.
Prof Carrington further explained that the virus uses this protein to bind cells wheen it begins to replicate.
She said 81% of people had antibodies that blocked the interaction – a high rate of antibodies with the potential to block infection.
There was no difference in the rate of persons who had natural infections.
Prof Carrington said, “With vaccination, you have the opportunity to get an equivalent immune response without the risk of disease that comes with natural infections.”
She noted that the study examined antibodies against part of the spike protein and its interactions with the receptor, named receptor binding domain.
Prof Carrington said, “Some of the mutations found in the different variants occur in that region of the spike protein and they look specifically at that and how well the anti-bodies produced by the Sinopharm vaccine could recognise that region in various variants.”
In addition, Prof Carrington said after two doses, results showed that 85% of people vaccinated had antibodies which recognised the binding receptive domain of the ancestral virus and the Alpha and Delta variants.
She said that the performance against the variant from South Africa was not as good, however it was still at a level where persons could get protection.
Prof Carrington stated that the Delta variant is known to spread more quickly at the time of exposure and infected others is shorter period than other variants.
She said the Covid-19 vaccine helps to train the immune system to prepare a stockpile of tools such as antibodies, B-cells and T-cells, in order to protect persons from severe diseases, hospitalization and death.
Prof Carrington said, “This virus levels are much higher with the Delta variant than with other variants.
“So, if you vaccinated and do get infected, the chance of hospitalisation or dying from Covid -19 is extremely and much lower than if you’re not vaccinated.”
The professor urged persons to get vaccinated.
She said “The Sinopharm vaccine is an opportunity for us to get ahead of the Delta variant in order to protect ourselves, loved ones and the country.”
