London: A scientist who played a key role in manufacturing the Oxford/AstraZeneca anti-Covid vaccine has warned that the next virus to engulf mankind could be more lethal and more contagious. It is noteworthy that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being used in India under the name ‘Covishield’.
Sarah Gilbert, professor of immunology at the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, said more funding and preparedness were needed to prevent the progress made in epidemic control from being wasted. Gilbert was particularly honored by Queen Elizabeth II for his important role in developing the vaccine.
The scientist also noted that vaccines may be less effective against the novel form of the coronavirus ‘Omicron’, but noted that reduced protection with respect to infection and mild illness does not necessarily mean that there is also protection against severe illness and death. Security will decrease. Gilbert said, “This is not the last time a virus has threatened our lives and our livelihoods. The truth is that the next virus could be worse. It can be more contagious, or more lethal, or both.”
Before COVID-19, Gilbert worked on vaccines for more than 10 years using antigens from malaria and influenza. The 59-year-old expert was speaking at the BBC’s 44th Richard Dimbleby Lecture. The annual lecture is named after British journalist and broadcaster Richard Dimbleby. Lectures are delivered by eminent speakers.
On Sunday, 86 new cases related to ‘Omicron’ were reported in Britain, taking the number of cases related to this form in the country to 246. Meanwhile, 43,992 new cases of coronavirus infection and 54 new deaths due to this epidemic have been registered in the country in a day.
