With the development of the new coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, most epidemic prevention measures have returned to normal. However, the virus remains active in the summer, and citizens still need to be cautious. In addition to the new coronavirus, threats such as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the summer flu peak cannot be underestimated. Francesca Ceddia, chief medical affairs officer of the multinational pharmaceutical company Moderna, and Macy Chen, director of medical affairs in Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of vaccination to the public in an interview with TOPick.
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Why is vaccination important? Macy cited a study published in the medical journal “The Lancet” in April, stating that vaccination has saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, equivalent to saving six lives every minute. She continued that many vaccines activate the immune system to prevent severe disease. This allows the body to recognize and fight pathogens, significantly reducing disease severity and lowering the risk of hospitalization and death, including for the new coronavirus.
It is noteworthy that although the COVID-19 vaccine currently available in Hong Kong has been updated to the sixth dose (XBB variant vaccine), the vaccination rate remains low, with only 46,448 people vaccinated as of June 9. Why is this? Macy believes the reason might be a lack of understanding regarding the need for additional vaccine doses. She specifically mentioned that while there were three influenza peak periods in April 2023, summer 2023, and winter 2023-2024, the total number of fatal cases of new coronary pneumonia from January 29, 2023 to March 30, 2024 was twice as high.
In this regard, Macy emphasized:
“It is essential to understand that the virus still poses a threat to the community, especially to high-risk groups such as the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions or those with compromised immunity.”
Routine vaccination is also crucial for controlling diseases such as influenza, measles, and tetanus. She pointed out that the goal of vaccination is to obtain immune protection to reduce the incidence and risk of disease transmission, thus protecting individual and community health.
However, cases of side effects and adverse reactions following receiving the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported in recent years. Some Hong Kong residents have even developed symptoms of myocarditis following receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Compared to these uncomfortable symptoms, is getting the COVID-19 vaccine really more important?
Francesca pointed out that adverse reactions following vaccination with the new coronavirus vaccine usually appear in the initial stages of vaccination and the occurrence rate of these reactions has significantly reduced in subsequent boosters. This indicates that as the immune system adapts to the antigen, the human body’s acceptance of vaccines gradually increases. Although some side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine might be related to myocarditis, they are rare and usually mild. Patients tend to recover on their own with treatment and rest. She continued that current research shows that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks associated with it. Therefore, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect oneself.
“The risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 is much greater than complications from vaccination, and symptoms from COVID-19 vaccination are milder than what would be expected if infected with the disease.”
A new generation of vaccines has completed phase 3 clinical trials
Francesca also mentioned that Moderna is developing the next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1283, and successfully reached the primary efficacy endpoint of the Phase 3 clinical trial in March this year. Compared to the previous generation vaccine, mRNA-1273.222, the former has a stronger immune response to the new coronavirus.
She said, “We observed the most pronounced immune response to the next-generation COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1283) among clinical trial participants over the age of 65. This age group is also at the highest risk for the sequelae of COVID-19.”
Regardless of storage, expiration date, or presentation in pre-filled syringes, mRNA-1283 will help reduce the burden on healthcare providers and increase access to public health services. She believes that these advantages can improve the convenience and availability of vaccines, thereby more effectively protecting people from COVID-19 infection.
▲ Macy Chan, director of medical affairs at Moderna Hong Kong. (Picture provided by interviewee)
▲ Francesca Ceddia, chief medical affairs officer at Moderna. (Picture provided by interviewee)
Center for Health Protection COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
https://www.map.gov.hk/gm/map/s/m/communityvaccinationservicesofcovid-19?lg=tc
List of clinics offering COVID-19 XBB vaccine services at their own expense
https://www.finddoc.com/doctors/covidmRNA
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The Importance of Vaccination in a Changing Pandemic Landscape
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination remains a crucial weapon in our arsenal once morest the virus. While many preventive measures have returned to normalcy, the virus remains active, especially during the summer months. It’s not just COVID-19 we need to be aware of – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and seasonal influenza pose significant threats, particularly during peak seasons. To shed light on the importance of vaccination, we spoke with Francesca Ceddia, Chief Medical Affairs Officer at Moderna, and Macy Chen, Director of Medical Affairs at Moderna Hong Kong.
The Life-Saving Power of Vaccination
Macy Chen highlights the impact of vaccination, citing a study published in “The Lancet” that estimates vaccines saved 154 million lives over the past 50 years – an astonishing rate of six lives saved every minute. Vaccines work by activating our immune systems, enabling them to recognize and fight pathogens. This effectively reduces disease severity, minimizing the risk of hospitalization and death, a point particularly relevant for COVID-19 vaccination.
The Need for Continued Vaccination
Despite the availability of updated COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong, including the sixth dose targeting the XBB variant, vaccination rates remain low. Macy Chen attributes this to a potential lack of understanding regarding the need for additional doses. She points out that COVID-19 fatalities from January 29, 2023, to March 30, 2024, were twice as high as the combined number of deaths during the three influenza peak periods in April 2023, summer 2023, and winter 2023-2024. This data emphasizes the continued significance of vaccination, especially for high-risk groups like the elderly, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those with compromised immune systems.
Addressing Vaccine Concerns
While recent years have witnessed occasional reports of side effects and adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination, including myocarditis, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh these risks, according to Francesca Ceddia. She emphasizes that adverse reactions typically occur during the initial vaccination stages, with their frequency significantly decreasing with subsequent booster doses. As our immune systems adapt to the antigens, our bodies become more tolerant of vaccines. While myocarditis can be a rare side effect, it’s usually mild and patients recover with rest and treatment.
“The risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 is much greater than complications from vaccination, and symptoms from COVID-19 vaccination are milder than what would be expected if infected with the disease.”
Moderna’s Next-Generation Vaccine
Moderna continues to innovate, developing the next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1283, which has successfully completed Phase 3 clinical trials. This vaccine demonstrates a stronger immune response compared to its predecessor, mRNA-1273.222, particularly among those over 65, a demographic at increased risk of COVID-19 complications.
The mRNA-1283 vaccine offers several advantages:
- Enhanced immune response
- Improved convenience and availability due to its pre-filled syringe format and reduced storage requirements
These features aim to increase vaccine access and effectiveness, further protecting individuals once morest COVID-19 infection.
A Vital Step Towards Health
Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting individuals and communities. While concerns regarding potential side effects are understandable, it’s important to remember that these are rare and typically mild. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, contributing significantly to a healthier future. Staying informed regarding vaccine updates and consulting with medical professionals ensures informed decisions regarding our health and well-being.
Vaccination is not just a personal choice; it’s a collective responsibility. Together, we can build a stronger future for ourselves and our communities.
**Center for Health Protection COVID-19 Vaccination Sites:**
https://www.map.gov.hk/gm/map/s/m/communityvaccinationservicesofcovid-19?lg=tc
**List of Clinics Offering COVID-19 XBB Vaccine Services at Their Own Expense:**
https://www.finddoc.com/doctors/covidmRNA
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▲ Macy Chan, director of medical affairs at Moderna Hong Kong. (Picture provided by interviewee)
▲ Francesca Ceddia, chief medical affairs officer at Moderna. (Picture provided by interviewee)