Still Over 20k? Doctor Explains Why M’sia Is Recording So Many Cases Despite High Vaccination Rate

Recently, it was reported that several PPVs in Klang Valley will be closing as a majority of citizens have received at least one dose of the vaccine. However, that doesn’t seem to correlate with the statistics of Covid-19 cases being recorded daily, with yet again more than 20k cases being recorded today (24 August). If you’re wondering why our speedy vaccination rate doesn’t seem to be lowering case numbers, Dr Dhivya Dhyana’s explanation might clarify things for you.

“If our vaccination rate is doing so well, then why are there still so many cases?”

She took to her Instagram to explain this matter.

Reports of positive cases published by KKM today isn’t reflective of those infected today

Dr Dhayana gave a scenario to illustrate her explanation:

“The 20,000 cases that have been detected and reported today does not mean that these infections appeared today. These are people that have been infected in the last two to three weeks, which means we are still detecting cases in the last [probably] one month.”

She also predicts the daily number of new cases will continue to record over 20k cases for one or two months. 

The nation is not fully vaccinated yet

Dr Dhyana also explained that while the nation is known as one of the fastest countries to vaccinate its citizens, the Covid-19 numbers are still high as we have yet to reach herd immunity.

“Although we are one of the fastest nations to be vaccinated, only 50% of our total population is fully vaccinated.”

She continues to explain that the other half are either not vaccinated or are only partially vaccinated.

Window period to build immunity

Dr Dhyana defines being fully vaccinated as not limited to only receiving two doses of the vaccine but the individual also completing the window period for the body to build antibodies.

“If you get the vaccine today, it doesn’t mean you are going to be protected tomorrow.”

She added that the body is going to need time to produce antibodies, for usually a period of 14 – 21 days depending on the type of vaccination taken. Moreover, she said that the effects of vaccination are not immediately seen, it would take weeks or about a month before we see a steady drop in the number of cases.

Focus on the number of cases in each category

But all hope is not lost! Dr Dhyana said that for now, we can monitor the number of cases in each category instead of looking at all the cases that are generally reported.

“Although the vaccine cannot 100% prevent you from getting the infection, it is going to reduce the severity of the infection.”

She explains that there is going to be a drop in the number of cases in categories 4 and 5. Moreover, we can also expect to see a reduction in hospital admission, oxygen requirement, and ICU admissions and ultimately, a reduction in the number of deaths.

Before she ended her video, she insisted,

“So don’t lose hope in vaccination yet just because you don’t see an immediate drop in numbers (and) that does not mean the vaccination isn’t working!”

In addition to that, the Ministry of Health (KKM)  highlighted that 98.3% of the daily recorded cases are of Categories 1 and 2 which shows a lower number of critical cases recorded on 22 August.

It is important to continuously abide by the SOPs and to stay safe! 

Read Also: “Face shield with double masks gives up to 96% protection from Delta” Says Health DG