Omicron variants of COVID-19 have led to a rapid increase in COVID cases worldwide, and given the current situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that current COVID-19 vaccinations are not sufficient and may need to be upgraded to continue to provide protection against new variants, especially Omicron . Although current vaccines offer high levels of protection against severe disease, vaccines that can prevent infection and transmission must be developed in the future, the WHO’s technical advisory group on COVID-19 vaccine components said, according to Xinhua.
The WHO also said the revisions must be based on variants that are genetically and antigenically similar to circulating variants, according to Xinhua. The health agency further stated that they should also elicit a strong and durable response in order to avoid the need for subsequent booster doses. Experts have urged COVID-19 vaccine makers to provide data on Omicron’s specific vaccination performance to determine when vaccine components may need to be adjusted. Experts also highlighted the need for wider global availability of current COVID-19 vaccines related to current Omicron variants.
Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla said earlier this week that a revised COVID-19 vaccine specifically for the Omicron variant may be needed, adding that his company may have one available by March. He also said that Pfizer and BioNTech SE are developing a vaccine against Omicron. Bourla also emphasized the need for a booster shot of Omicron, but said it was unclear how long a COVID-19 booster dose would keep individuals safe, according to CNBC.
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