WHO: Existing COVID-19 Vaccines Remain Safe and Effective

In a recent press conference, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reassured the global community that the current COVID-19 vaccines remain both safe and effective against the evolving variants of the virus. He emphasized that there is no immediate need for new vaccination programs to combat the recent variants.

The Director-General acknowledged the concerns surrounding the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, particularly in Europe and the United States. Hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units have seen a notable uptick in these regions over the past 28 days. However, he stressed that the existing vaccines are playing a crucial role in preventing severe cases and deaths.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his concerns about the disparity in vaccine distribution, highlighting that only one-third of the world's population has received booster shots. He urged countries to prioritize high-risk individuals and health workers for booster doses.

Regarding the new variants of concern, such as EG.5.1 (Eris), XBB.1.5, and BA.2.86 (Pirola), Maria Van Kerkhove, the Leader of WHO's Technical Team for COVID-19 Response, explained that there hasn't been a significant change in their severity. Current preventive measures, including vaccination, continue to provide effective protection against these variants.

In conclusion, the WHO remains committed to promoting global vaccination efforts, ensuring that vaccines reach those who need them most, and monitoring the situation closely. While challenges persist, the organization's message remains clear: existing COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective tools in the fight against the virus, and their distribution should be equitable to protect vulnerable populations worldwide.