Moderna: No proof that covi vaccines can stop SARS-CoV-2 from spreading

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

At present, there have been good news about several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, bringing people more options for epidemic prevention. However, the chief medical officer of Moderna, whose vaccine is as effective as 95%, said that similar products of the company may not be able to allow people return to normal life immediately because it has not been proven that the vaccine can prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

Tal Zaks, chief medical officer of Moderna, revealed that research has shown that this biotechnology company's covi vaccine can effectively prevent people from contracting covid but there is no conclusive evidence that vaccines can prevent people from "temporarily" carrying the virus, and may even infect others who have not been vaccinated.

Zachs told Axios in a TV interview released on 23 November, "I think we must be cautious when vaccinating and not over-explain (vaccine) efficacy issues." "When we started deploying vaccines, there is not enough specific data to prove that this vaccine reduces transmission."

"Do I believe it will reduce transmission? Absolutely. The reason I say this is due to science." He added, "But there is no evidence (to support this statement). I think it is important that we do not just based on vaccination to change (the existing epidemic prevention) behavior."

Massachusetts-based Moderna revealed last week that its experimental vaccine is nearly 95% effective in late-stage clinical trials. Pfizer and AstraZeneca also reported that their vaccines are very effective against the Chinese virus.

Zacks’ remarks sent another signal: Even if drug manufacturers produce safe and effective vaccines at an alarming rate, vaccines will take time to end the global pandemic and help the economy recover.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals requested the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clear customs for its vaccines for emergency use last Friday (November 20). Moderna is expected to make similar requests in the next few weeks.

US officials say they plan to prepare millions of doses of vaccine by the end of this year. However, the vaccine is not expected to be widely distributed until next spring in the US.