Could the Omicron variant end the pandemic? – Katalin Karikó is hopeful
Leading scientist Katalin Karikó, who has greatly contributed to the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, gave an interview in the Sunday programme of the Hungarian Kossuth Rádió.
In the radio programme, she was interviewed about a few questions concerning the doubts around vaccination, and she debunked a few misconceptions, shedding more light on the nature of vaccines.
Karikó also talked about the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, and she believes that there is hope that this might be the last Christmas where we have to deal with restrictions.
Why the need for a booster jab?
To the question of why people might need to get a booster jab, Karikó said the following to Híradó.hu:
When people are vaccinated, a healthy body will create antibodies based on the protein found in the vaccine. When this happens, these antibodies will enter the bloodstream and will also be found in the mucus membrane of the nose.
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As the number of antibodies begins to diminish, likewise in the mucus membrane, people who have been vaccinated a while ago could be infected more easily than those recently vaccinated. Karikó added that the antibodies can also be present in breastmilk, giving a sort of protection to the children of breastfeeding mothers.
She highlighted that while people who have been vaccinated can get infected since their immune system has previously encountered one of the proteins of the RNA of the virus, it can react thanks to the memory cells, thus helping to mitigate the severe symptoms of the virus infection, potentially saving people, she told Híradó.hu.
However, underlying health conditions and obesity can have a major effect on the mortality rate of infected people.
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Karikó refuted the claims that the vaccine causes the coronavirus infection. She explained that mRNA vaccines only contain a string of protein derived from the virus’s RNA.
New variant to end the pandemic?
About the Omicron variant, the Hungarian scientist said that in vitro testing is currently ongoing regarding the effectiveness of the vaccines against the new variant. The data is not yet sufficient, she added.
Katalin Karikó said that if the new Omicron variant takes over the Delta variant, there is a possibility that it could end the pandemic.
She highlighted that it is not yet proven, but she is hopeful that this might be the last Christmas people have to spend the holidays under epidemiological restrictions.
Read also Omicron variant detected near Hungary + latest COVID data
Source: hirado.hu
6 Comments
Thank you Katalin Karikó!
During the early part of my lifelong academic carrier, I have often encountered academics that told me how they were either helped or worked with Hungarian academics. Needless to say, the positive impression they made was great help to me and others like me. It opened doors for us.
She seems to be Hungary’s Fauci. I hope you keep track of this prediction a year from now.
“Karikó also talked about the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, and she believes that there is hope that this might be the last Christmas where we have to deal with restrictions.”
I don’t know if I should attribute comparing Katalin Karikó to cheap political hack Fauci to ignorance or something else.
Unlike Fauci, she was never interested in influencing political decisions. There is nothing to keep track because she made no predictions, only her hope and belief. She is a scientist, not a far-left politician like Fauci.
Mr. Sol, what is your qualification please? Are you a doctor? A virologist? An immunologist?
Just wondering….
Hey Mario, are you a journalist to ask questions? Just wondering.
If she’s not a political hack, then great to know. But to talk about “hoping that this might be the last Christmas where we have to deal with restrictions” at her position seems a bit amateurish, to say the least. Anybody could hope whatever crosses his mind at the dinner table. I would expect more than wishful thinking or fortune telling at her position.
I have nothing but admiration for Katalin Karikó. She has achieved so much, helped millions. She is entitled to hope.
“hope springs eternal It is human nature to keep on hoping against all odds” Alexander Pope