In about two months, Belize should be getting its first set of COVID-19 vaccines. While it has not been confirmed as yet, there is a high possibility that it is the AstraZenanca/Oxford vaccine that will be heading our way.
But is the Oxford University vaccine good enough? Especially with newer strains developing - like the South African Variant - which shows resistance towards AstraZeneca. Not to mention, this vaccine is reportedly only 70% effective against the virus - as opposed to Pfizer which is 95% effective, or Moderna at 94%.
We asked the acting DHS, Dr Melissa Diaz, and she quelled concerns by explaining why AstraZeneca may be the best option for Belize.
Dr. Melissa Diaz, Acting DHS
"As you know that Belize since we've signed up with Covax facility we have been told that more than likely we will be receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. There is recent information out that it might not be as effective on the South African variant as it is with the original virus and as well with the UK variant. 30% of our vaccines will be coming from this facility, but it doesn't necessarily mean that all the vaccines will be the AstraZeneca vaccines. As well the recent studies didn't show that it was totally ineffective against the south African variant but it does state that it may have less efficacy towards the south african variant."
"At this point our plan is to continue to administer the vaccines as our Covid plan states. The rollout will continue and we are also in discussions trying to make bilateral agreements as well to ensure that we are able to get the other 40% of vaccines that's needed and that does not necessarily mean that it will be AstraZeneca. In fact most countries have continue with their rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccines and AstraZeneca has reported that it is effective against the UK variant as well and some other variants that are not as well-known."
"The Pfizer vaccines, yes that has efficacy in the 90s and Moderna as well. However, if you could recall Pfizer needs the cold chain of less than 70 degrees Celsius which we are not prepared to have at this point. We have been looking into getting some preparation in order to get Pfizer, but it is more than likely the AstraZeneca and some others that are currently in studies and are awaiting approval from a strict regulatory authority, so once that approval has been given to other vaccines, it will also open that opportunity for us to try to procure these other vaccines as well."
"AstraZeneca report fluctuates between 75% up to 82% after the second dose. So, a lot of vaccines, for instance the regular influenza vaccines can range between 60% to 70%. So, if we do get between 75% to 80% efficacy from AstraZeneca that is still a significant accomplishment for us to do. We would still suggest for extreme uptake from the public for the AstraZeneca vaccines. In fact this vaccines is the one used in many countries worldwide and it is extremely efficacious as far as we are concern with regards to Covid even though you may say that it's slower than Pfizer and Moderna. At this point we have to look at the accessibility to AstraZeneca. It's a part of the WHO Covax facility vaccine. It has been given pre=authorization and emergency use authorization. So once all this is in place it can be very easily accessible for many countries in the Caribbean and Central America."
Dr Diaz also noted that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is attempting to procure the Sputnik Vaccine as well, which is said to be 92% effective against COVID-19.
