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‘Delta mutations don’t reduce vaccine efficacy’

22 Aug 2021

  • Prominent Immunologist Prof. Neelika Malavige allays fears
The mutations of the B.1.617.2 Indian Delta variant of Covid-19 identified in Sri Lanka do not affect the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, according to Prof. Neelika Malavige of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Faculty of Medical Sciences Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences. “As any virus spreads rapidly, certain genetic mutations can occur, including in the Delta variant. Many of the mutations in those viruses are not so important and we should not be preoccupied with them,” she said, taking part in a webinar titled “Efficacy of different vaccines against new Covid-19 variants” held on Saturday (21). She added that four mutations of the Delta variant have been identified in Sri Lanka. State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana revealed in Parliament on 17 August that the SA 222V, SA 701S, and SA 1078S mutations of the Delta variant were observed in Delta variant cases found in the country, caused by changes in the spike protein of the virus. Prof. Malavige also said that the delta variant has now spread to the Western Province, and other provinces of Sri Lanka. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the Delta variant is at least two times as transmissible as the original virus. Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe spread of the Delta variant in all districts.     


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