‘A vaccine helps the immune system identify a virus and fight it off’
Local doctor Mabowa Makhumisane speaks about lifelong vaccines and repeat vaccines and explains why a booster shot can be necessary.
POLOKWANE – With the number of active Covid-19 cases climbing, a local doctor, Mabowa Makhumisane said this could be the beginning of the fourth wave is anticipated to peak mid-December and January.
Makhumisane said vaccinations are the safest way to reduce fatalities and the effects of the fourth wave.
BONUS spoke to Makhumisane on the importance of vaccinations and he explained that these ensure one’s immune system is able to recognise and fight off the virus.
“When we vaccinate, we inject the body with particles that resemble the virus that do not harm the body. This helps the immune system to identify the virus and learn to produce the T-cells and antibodies that will fight it off. When the real virus is contracted the body will know what to do in order to fight it off.”
Makhumisane explained that there are different types of vaccines, including lifelong vaccines and repeat vaccines. Lifelong vaccines are those such as the polio vaccine that is administered to children when they are young and will ensure immunity for the rest of their lives and repeat vaccinations are those that offer immunity for a specific periods, such as the flu vaccine that is administered on a yearly basis.
“We noted that the Covid-19 vaccine is able to fight off the virus but after six to eight months the effects start to dwindle. It was recommended that every six months a booster shot be administered in order to retain the effectiveness of the vaccine,” he said.
According to Makhumisane, the mutation of the virus to different variants is purely an occurrence of nature such as when children from the same parents come out looking the same or as total opposites.
“When the vaccine is administered, it triggers antibodies and T-cells. The antibodies are specific to the variant and the T-cells are not specific and can fight off any mutation, except if the virus completely changes. At this point, it is still the same virus and the vaccine is still effective but there might be a need for a booster shot depending on the research still being conducted.”
Makhumisane said the best way to fight Covid-19 is by vaccinating, wearing a face mask, maintaining a safe social distance and sanitising regularly.
