Constant mutations and co-infections complicate efforts to establish a consistent vaccination plan.
SINGAPORE – The long-term strategy for Covid-19 vaccination remains elusive due to the virus’s constant mutations, unpredictable seasonal patterns, and interactions with other respiratory infections. This uncertainty makes it challenging to evaluate vaccine effectiveness against severe cases as their frequency declines, according to Professor Vernon Lee, Executive Director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Immunisation Coalition and Asia Dengue Voice and Action Summit in Singapore, Prof Lee highlighted the complexity of planning vaccination programs for an ever-evolving virus. Despite Singapore’s success—where over 90% of the population completed their primary vaccine series and 80% received at least one booster dose—the virus’s mutation patterns remain uncertain.
Prof Lee posed critical questions:
Will annual vaccinations be necessary?
How long will immunity from vaccines last?
How will co-infections with seasonal illnesses impact public health strategies?
To address such challenges, pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop combination vaccines that target Covid-19 and influenza. Both Moderna and Pfizer have initiated advanced clinical trials for a two-in-one messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, potentially offering a streamlined approach to combating both illnesses. These vaccines work by teaching cells to recognize viral spike proteins, enabling the immune system to respond effectively.
Ethical and Regulatory Oversight
While advancements in vaccine development bring hope, stringent oversight remains a priority. Professor Tikki Pangestu from the National University of Singapore emphasized that no shortcuts would be taken. Regulatory bodies like Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) require comprehensive safety and efficacy data before approving any new vaccines.
Prof Pangestu acknowledged that rare side effects may emerge post-approval but noted this is a standard risk for new vaccines.
Singapore’s Approach: A Pandemic Playbook
Reflecting on Singapore’s pandemic response, Prof Lee credited early investments in a diverse portfolio of vaccines and strong public health measures for building a resilient community. Policies restricting unvaccinated individuals from accessing certain venues also played a pivotal role in encouraging vaccine uptake.
Looking Ahead
The pursuit of effective vaccination strategies will likely remain a moving target as Covid-19 continues to evolve. Ongoing research and global collaboration will be crucial in addressing these challenges while ensuring public confidence in vaccination programs.
