Leading Researcher at AstraZeneca Speaks Out:
In an interview with the German newspaper "Welt" (Tuesday edition), Tony Pollard, the chief developer of the AstraZeneca vaccine, expressed concerns about the concept of herd immunity. Pollard, who is also the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, criticized the idea and questioned its validity.
Pollard indicated that at least in Europe, most people at high risk will be protected by summer due to vaccination. However, he does not see an end to the pandemic from a global perspective, stating that the "war against the virus" has only just begun.
The immunologist teaching at the University of Oxford estimates that existing vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness from the Indian mutation, which is also spreading in Germany. Pollard does not focus too much on the Indian mutation, stating that existing vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness from various mutations.
Pollard advocates for a reconsideration of the herd immunity strategy, suggesting that the real question is determining how many people need to be vaccinated to minimize severe illness and hospitalizations. He believes that vaccination of the wider population is beneficial only after ensuring that people do not become severely ill in healthcare facilities, which would allow for a return to normalcy in the economy and existence.
The planned lifting of vaccine prioritization in Germany on June 7 is critically viewed by Pollard, who believes it is necessary to prioritize vaccinating people over 50 and those with pre-existing conditions. The person who shares this view is constitutional law expert Volker Boehme-Neßler.
In his statement to the "Welt" newspaper, Pollard expressed doubts about the effectiveness of herd immunity and raised concerns about the overload of healthcare systems due to the pandemic. He also indicated that the rate of blood clots after a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is very low, lower than the risk of driving in Europe.
Pollard has suggested that the concept of herd immunity should be reevaluated, and he has questioned its flaws. His concerns reflect a growing debate among scientists and policymakers about the best approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world continues to grapple with the virus, the search for effective strategies to control its spread and mitigate its impact continues.
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