Understanding Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases

We will explore a few of the latest issues relating the breakthrough of COVID-19 cases. Professor Peter Figueroa from the Department of Community Health and Psychiatry at UWI Mona and Medical Association of Jamaica President, Dr. Brian James; joined the CVM Live Panel Discussion to share on the topic.

According to Professor Figueroa regarding the recent death of General Powell from the COVID-19 virus despite being fully vaccinated and the light it has put on so-called breakthrough COVID-19 cases; he noted that Collin Powell was 84 years of age, at was quite advance in his diagnosed cancer, so his immune system was significantly compromised and he was due a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine due to these facts. Figueroa noted that while he was fully vaccinated, the vaccine did not offer the support or immune protection because of his cancer condition.

Meanwhile, Dr. James contracting the virus while being fully vaccinated is not uncommon, he noted that whether or not a person can still catch the virus while being vaccinated is not the main focus. He added that the risk of being admitted to a hospital and the chances of dying that is important. He emphasised that while one who is fully vaccinated can still catch the virus, the focus point is that it reduces severe illness, hospitalization and death.