Professor Giamarellou: We should reach 75% COVID-19 immunity by summer

Eleni Giamarellou, Professor of Infectious Diseases at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), revealed the possibility of achieving 75% immunity in Greece if the supply of vaccines continues in accordance with their commitments.

She described vaccines as an important factor to see light at the end of the tunnel and said to date that 3% of the population has been vaccinated.

"If the supply of vaccines in our country continues as promised, we can achieve 75% immunity in the summer," she said.

She stressed the great importance of reaching this 75% and "not to waste time giving" attention "to the anti-vaccination movement."

Regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine and those over 65 years of age, she clarified that it does not cause toxicity and that there are currently 7,500 volunteers over the age of 65 with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"We all need to think that the vaccine can protect me from dying from COVID-19 or from being admitted to the ICU," said the professor of Infectious Diseases Pathology.

Regarding COVID-19 mutations and vaccines, she stated that "for the British mutation, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca said they were taking precautions; for the South African strain of the virus, Moderna and Pfizer said that their vaccine covers it."

"We know about mutations and that they are transmitted 20% faster and everywhere. However, you do not get seriously ill and you do not have a greater risk of dying," clarified Giamarellou.