In instances where access to vaccines is limited or impossible, drugs can be a manageable alternative
Vaccines have been game changers in the fight against Covid-19, offering effective protection against even highly contagious and pathogenic strains such as the Delta variant. But with many in the world still unvaccinated and cases on the rise — including among the vaccinated — it is becoming clear we will need more than shots to keep the virus at bay.
For these countries, access to safe, effective and scalable oral drugs could help reduce the burden of disease and relieve some of the pressure on health systems as they wait for vaccines. These drugs could also help treat breakthrough infections among the vaccinated. Antivirals also have utility for people whose existing health conditions make vaccination risky, as well as those who do not respond well to vaccines, such as immunocompromised individuals.
But they are expensive and require sophisticated manufacturing, often needing some of the same materials that are used to make vaccines. Remdesivir is used once people are in the hospital, so it is not useful as a drug to prevent severe disease and hospitalisation. And even where it is approved for use, the benefit is marginal given its cost. These drugs are tough to store and administer — they are given by injection or infusion. Pills are a much more manageable alternative.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Study: Spacing Pfizer Covid-19 shots boosts antibody levels after initial dropA longer gap between doses of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine leads to higher overall antibody levels than a shorter gap, a British study found on Friday, but there is a sharp drop in antibody levels after the first dose.
Read more »
Covid-19 jab does not instantly protect you – here’s how long it takes to kick inYou can still catch Covid-19 even if you've had the vaccine.
Read more »
Uganda, struggling to buy Covid-19 vaccines, splashes on new vehicles for lawmakersUganda has spent over $30.2 million on buying new vehicles for lawmakers, a move that has been slammed by critics who depict it as profligacy in a country struggling to buy vaccines to stem a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more »
COVID-19 vaccine: Higher Education rollout beginsThe department is set to start its rollout on Saturday, with only a few vaccination sites.
Read more »
Second chance for 33,539 teachers who would be out of work because of Covid-19The basic education department has spent R2.4bn to save teachers' jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more »