ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has weighed in on effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine after Prime Minister Imran Khan tested positive for the virus despite receiving the jab.
In a statement on Twitter, the president stressed that coronavirus vaccine is necessary. “Covid-19 vaccination is a must. It is given in two doses & takes a few weeks to become effective,” he said, dismissing concerns about the vaccine’s efficacy.
The president said the vaccine is 100 percent effective in most cases, and in remaining cases, the severity of infection is greatly reduced which increases survival rate. “Beware of those who who create doubt, as they know not,” he added.
Covid-19 vaccination is a must. It is given in two doses & takes a few weeks to become effective. In most cases it is 100% effective & in remaining, severity of infection is greatly reduced which increases survival rate. Beware of those who who create doubt, as they know not.
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) March 21, 2021
The statement comes a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi tested positive for the coronavirus. “PM Imran Khan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self isolating at home,” Special Assistant on Health announced Dr Faisal Sultan announced, adding he was in good spirits.
The prime minister tested positive two days after receiving the vaccine, triggering a debate on the effectiveness of the jab and fears of doubts among the masses.
Regarding the vaccination which the prime minister received two days ago, he clarified said that Imran Khan was not “fully vaccinated” when he contracted the virus.
“He only got the first dose merely two days ago which is too soon for any vaccine to become effective. Antibodies develop 2-3 weeks after the second dose of two-dose vaccine,” he said, urging people not to be deterred from getting themselves vaccinated.
The prime minister received his first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine in Islamabad on March 18. The Ministry of National Health Services clarified that Imran Khan’s vaccination process has not been completed.
A person develops partial immunity two weeks after the first dose and full immunity two weeks after the second dose. It is necessary that those who are vaccinated need to wear masks and and enforce safety precautions.
