First, I need to clarify this. I’m not an expert on this topic. However, I can say that I’ve developed my own logic by extensively reading articles written by experts. Let’s get straight to the answers to the questions. I’ll try to write the answers in non-technical, easy-to-understand language.
Should we get vaccinated?
We absolutely should. Even vaccines with a 50% success rate are better than nothing. Similarly, there are vaccines with a 95% success rate (BioNTech, Moderna). The Chinese vaccine coming to Turkey is also being widely debated. There’s no need for debate. Getting this vaccine, which uses traditional vaccine methodology, is better than not getting it at all. The possibility of providing at least some temporary protection shouldn’t be dismissed.
Which vaccine is best?
BioNTech, which partnered with Pfizer and launched its vaccine, is the best in my opinion for two reasons. First, their mRNA method is a new vaccine technology applied to viruses. To put it simply, it prevents the COVID-19 virus from surviving by removing the virus that has entered the cell and/or blocking its entry into the cell, effectively eliminating the virus. The 95% success rate declared by Pfizer and BioNTech demonstrates how effective the vaccine can be against the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason I chose Biontech’s vaccine over Moderna’s, which uses the same methodology, is the trust I have in Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci. It’s a vaccine produced with a German mindset, without compromising standards, and the personality of this couple gives me complete confidence in their vaccine.
Will we have a choice of vaccine?
It doesn’t seem likely. Currently, only the Chinese vaccine has arrived in Turkey. We don’t know if other vaccines will arrive. If it arrives and we have a choice, I would prefer to receive the BioNTech vaccine. Of course, if they say, “You have to get the Chinese vaccine; you don’t have a choice,” there’s nothing to be done; the vaccine is better than no vaccine at all.
If I can get the BioNTech vaccine abroad, that would be an option for me personally. For now, we will proceed according to what’s currently in effect in our country.
Are the vaccines currently on the market effective against the mutated COVID-19 virus?
Frankly, I don’t know the status of all vaccines, but reports indicate that BioNTech’s vaccine is effective in eliminating variants of the virus. In fact, I’d like to share an article on this subject: BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine found effective against Covid-19 variant | Financial Times (ft.com)
As stated in this article, they reported that BioNTech demonstrated the same effectiveness against the mutated virus, and if it doesn’t, they could release a different version of the vaccine in as little as six weeks. Long story short, those who received the BioNTech vaccine seem to be in a safe position for now, whether the virus mutates or not.
Why are vaccines entering countries late?
There are two reasons for this. The first is that vaccine companies distribute according to their production capacity. Billions of people are waiting to be vaccinated, and supply is struggling to meet demand. Still, we read that vaccine companies are doing everything they can to increase their production capacity.
The second reason is the negotiations between governments and vaccine companies. None of us know what’s being discussed in these meetings. Delays could be due to any number of reasons. For example, customs laws could cause delays. Vaccine medical approval processes and timeframes vary from country to country. This is also a factor. Another example is that while there are governments that prioritize their citizens, there are also governments that delay processes to benefit others. This also varies from country to country.
When will it be our turn?
None of us know. Priority, of course, goes to healthcare workers and the elderly or chronically ill. I would be happy if my turn comes by summer. For now, we will continue to protect ourselves with masks, social distancing, and hygiene. Patience and continuing to protect ourselves is the best option during this period. At least we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.
When will restrictions be lifted?
My observation is that restrictions will gradually be lifted as vaccination progresses. We will likely see restrictions ease over the next one to two months. The important thing is to observe the decline of the pandemic’s effects. Vaccines will significantly contribute to this process. As vaccines become more effective and the effects of the pandemic diminish, restrictions will gradually be lifted.
Will vaccination end the pandemic?
If everyone is vaccinated, it will. We’re talking about over 8 billion people worldwide. This process can take years. There’s one thing: If a significant majority is vaccinated, we can clearly observe that the pandemic’s impact has diminished. But in any case, we must remain vigilant.
After answering all these questions, I’d like to offer some hopes. I’m addressing all people in the world, especially the people of my own country: We now have a solution to end this pandemic. We don’t have the luxury of not getting vaccinated. We all need to get vaccinated. We will patiently wait our turn to be vaccinated. Let’s all bury the COVID-19 pandemic in the dark pages of history! Go for it!
Tag: health
