Another coronavirus vaccine has emerged: a second American pharmaceutical company announced 95 per cent efficacy for its product. Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński commented on these reports on TVP Info’s ‘Walka z koronawirusem’.
‘Any positive information brings optimism at present. The research results presented in considerable detail by the American company, including a specific section on adverse effects, suggest that the vaccine may become available sooner rather than later,’ said Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński. He also acknowledged that this vaccine’s storage conditions are much more favourable than those of its predecessor. ‘It is good that it will not need to be stored at minus 70 degrees, but at minus 20. An ordinary freezer will suffice,’ he added.
‘I think we will soon see various announcements from company representatives, governments and agencies competing, in a sense, over which vaccine is more effective. But all of this brings us closer to one common goal: a vaccine will be available and will make it possible to end the ongoing epidemic,’ said Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński.
During the discussion, the experts also considered what determines immunity to coronavirus.
‘Many researchers are examining this question. One theory proposed several months ago by a university in the United Kingdom suggested that people previously vaccinated against diseases such as smallpox, measles, rubella or influenza have a better-developed immune system and experience coronavirus more easily. A second theory, supported more by Chinese and American universities, pointed to genetic predispositions. A third, most frequently encountered in COVID hospitals, highlights the influence of underlying conditions. This means that even if individual immunity is better, the state of the body and the patient’s condition are extremely important. From my specialty’s perspective, the condition of the upper respiratory tract, the entry point for coronavirus, is certainly very important. If it is dry and weakened, we are more susceptible both to infection and to a more severe course,’ said Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński.
Watch the full discussion (from 28:10).