KUALA LUMPUR: As the Omicron variant continues to sweep across communities, a molecular virologist urged everyone to prioritise booster shots for enhanced immunity.
Widespread concerns about waning immunity and the emergence of new subvariants have prompted health officials to stress the importance of annual booster doses for all eligible individuals.
Monash University's molecular virologist, Associate Professor Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, said that providing annual booster doses for everyone would be beneficial.
He stressed the importance of addressing waning immunity, which typically occurs after four to six months, and highlighted concerns about the emergence of newer Omicron sub-variants.
"I'm not sure if we already have the updated version of the booster, which targets the Omicron variant XBB.1.5, as there are currently no stocks available as reported on social media. Only Sinovac jabs are available, and in limited quantities.
"But it would undoubtedly be beneficial to receive an updated version of booster doses, and the public should be given the choice to take them.
"It is better for the government to plan for the long term rather than react only when cases are high. The virus has assimilated and acquired crucial mutations, making it akin to the flu (it is here to stay)," he added.
Vinod said that an extra Covid-19 booster dose is expected to counteract the diminishing protection against severe Covid-19.
"Several immunological studies indicate a decrease in the neutralisation of emerging Omicron subvariants by antibodies induced by both vaccines and natural infection.
"Covid-19 vaccines may offer reduced and shorter-term protection against infection from these subvariants compared to earlier variants.
"However, vaccines along with hybrid immunity from natural infection still provide strong protection against the virus," he added, noting that early evidence suggests the newer subvariants do not cause more severe disease than the original.
He also emphasised the importance of wearing masks and introduced the concept of 'strategic masking', suggesting that individuals consider wearing masks when and where it matters the most.
"While not everyone may feel the need to wear a mask at all times, adopting a strategic approach makes sense.
"For those at a higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19, it is advisable to wear a mask in public indoor spaces, particularly if the virus is prevalent in the area," he told the New Straits Times.
However, he cautioned that regardless of the strategic use of masks, they are not foolproof in preventing infections.
He said the emergence of highly transmissible subvariants of Omicron has raised concerns about the efficacy of regular surgical masks.
"The recently circulating subvariants of Omicron exhibit unprecedented transmission rates that standard surgical masks may not effectively guard against.
"With the newer, much more transmissible Omicron subvariants circulating, wearing N95/KN95 masks can help lower the risk of infection from the highly transmissible Omicron subvariants.
"However, it's important to understand that these masks do not offer 100 percent protection, but it is certainly better than having zero protection," he added.
