Assistant Egyptian Health Minister for Research Affairs Noha Assem assured Sunday that mutations in the coronavirus are not expected to hinder the effectiveness of the vaccines.
During a phone-in with the “Haza al-Sabah” (This Morning) show, Assem explained that while new coronavirus strains are likely, they are of little concern as they are only simple changes within the virus.
Genetic analysis done on the virus is what has determined whether a mutation has occurred or not, she said.
The possibility of mutations is one that vaccine manufacturers are fully aware of, with Assem explaining that this is why they are working on the most stable parts of the virus to anticipate any changes that may occur.
She added that the ministry monitors the symptoms for patients in hospitals, in order to set treatment plans.
Assem said that thus far the symptoms remain consistent but stressed that what has mostly been studied are patients in hospital situations, and more data is needed for home isolated cases.
Egypt announced that the date to start the vaccination rollout against COVID-19 will be in the beginning of February.
Egyptian Health and Population Minister Hala Zayed said earlier this month that her country has access to multiple sources for the vaccine, with the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm already registered with the Egyptian Drug Authority.
“There are positive developments with regard to contracts, whether from AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer, and the Gavi alliance will allow us to contract the companies that produce the coronavirus vaccine directly,” Zayed said.
Egypt has officially entered the second wave of the pandemic, after cases rose steadily throughout November and December.
Government officials continue to urge the public to adhere to precautionary measures against the virus, and the Egyptian Cabinet has called on authorities to strictly enforce the country’s mask mandate, which applies to all public transportation and indoor public spaces.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
