Immunologist Popadic: We are far from achieving collective immunity, maybe by the fall

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Immunologist and professor Dusan Popadic says that one can talk about collective immunity when 95% of the population is protected, and that this may be possible by the fall if immunization does not slowed down.

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Popadic told RTS that in the last few days the number of new coronavirus cases has been around 1,000, which, he believes, is better than in previous weeks but not good enough yet.

"We should not relax, I have each individual in mind, everyone should adhere to the prescribed measures - indoors with a mask, regardless of vaccination," the immunologist stressed.

He believes that the measures that are currently in force are not particularly restrictive, adding that the Crisis HQ will decide on further relaxation. Popadic also said that we are still quite far from achieving collective immunity.

"When 95% of the adult population is immunized, then we can talk about it. We are not close. If this pace continues, maybe by the fall, if there is no relaxation and slowing down of the vaccination process," the professor stressed.

He added that it doesn't make much sense to check the immunity after the vaccine, unless it is for some clinical study.

Popadic does not expect the vaccination against coronavirus to become seasonal because, as he says, the immune response achieved with the vaccine is comprehensive.

"Whatever talk there is about new strains, these are all small differences compared to the previous strain, so I don't see the need to be immunized every year. Let me repeat, it is not the vaccine, but vaccination that protects - we all have to be vaccinated and then there is no one to get the virus from," Popadic emphasized.

He said that it is important to immunize the population as soon as possible in order to "crush the epidemic as quickly as possible."

He stressed that we will all be able to take off our masks when new cases drop to a two-digit number.

"Those who choose not to be immunized can get infected, and that can later cost the society and especially some individuals in our society," says professor Popadic.

According to him, women who are planning pregnancy, as well as pregnant women who are in the second and third trimester, can be vaccinated.

(Telegraf.rs)