Doctor: If 50% of population is vaccinated, we can avoid strict quarantine regime

Mitigating the quarantine regime in Azerbaijan made an increase in the infection rate inevitable. Permission to hold the wedding ceremonies, opening of shopping centers and metro, people's negligence and their non-compliance with the introduced rules lead to rising morbidity, Nigar Aliyeva, an infectious disease specialist at City Polyclinic No. 38 told Report.

According to the doctor, if the number of vaccinated people increases in Azerbaijan, mitigation measures won't be removed.

"That is, if 50 percent of the population is vaccinated, there will be no need for a strict quarantine regime. The only way to get rid of the pandemic passes through vaccination. No disease is a definite contraindication to vaccination. None of the current vaccines have serious side effects. All vaccines can have side effects, which is natural. It's not right to refuse vaccination for fear of side effects," she said.

Aliyeva said that vaccination prevents emerging new mutations of the virus. "I want to bring to the attention of the population that if the preventive measures are not strictly observed, the number of infections will continue to surge since the delta variant spreads more rapidly. Those who received both doses must also wear masks in enclosed spaces."

The expert noted that vaccinated patients from a special risk group usually have mild symptoms of coronavirus.

"Available vaccines also protect against new strains. But if the number of vaccinated people is low, the situation will not be so satisfying for the following new mutations.

She that the third dose of the vaccine strengthens the body's immune memory.

"Citizens can apply for any vaccine. It is necessary to follow three 'golden' rules - social distance, mask, and hygiene."

There are currently 12,518 active coronavirus patients in the country. To date, 5,072 people have succumbed to the disease.