COVID-19: What Does the Future of Vaccination Look Like?

The presenter of a radio show is talking to Mr Lansden, the director of a medical company

who are responsible for producing COVID-19 vaccines…

Interviewer: Welcome to the show, Mr Lansden. We are going to be discussing the future of

the COVID-19 vaccines and some of the big questions which are circulating in the press

today. First of all, do you think that vaccines will provide long-term protection?

Mr Lansden: Well, it’s too early to know and to claim that COVID-19 vaccines will

definitely provide long-term protection. However, the testing and approval process shows

that our vaccine provides six to eight months protection after having two doses.

Interviewer: And will the vaccine protect people against mutant variants of COVID-19?

Mr Lansden: It’s difficult to say without research evidence. A lot more research needs to be

carried out before we can confirm the efficacy of the vaccine against other strains. However,

the target of the vaccine is to build up herd immunity which is simply a form of protection

that happens when a significant proportion of people become immune to the disease. This

will slow down the transmission rates of all variants.

Interviewer: Do you have any idea how long this will take?

Mr Lansden: Unfortunately, no. However, we believe that our vaccination will certainly

help to build up herd immunity. In some countries, the vaccination programme is open to all

ages and the transmission rates have fallen dramatically as a result.

Interviewer: Some countries have made fantastic progress! I think we can all agree that there

are many questions we simply cannot answer right now. However, things are certainly going

in the right direction. Do you have any advice for anyone who does not want to have a

COVID-19 vaccine?

Mr Lansden: Although there are many different reasons for avoiding vaccines, I would say

that there is no doubt about it – vaccines are saving lives! I would urge everyone to get their

vaccine as soon as possible.

Interviewer: Thank you, Mr Lansden - it has been a pleasure talking to you today!