The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) said on Wednesday (1) that the existing vaccines against Covid-19 remain effective to prevent serious conditions of the disease that lead to hospitalization and death, after the emergence of the new micron variant coronavirus.
In a statement, the regulatory body said that it is in contact with vaccine developers, who have an obligation to assess the impact of new variants on the effectiveness of immunizing agents, and noted that studies in this regard take time.
The agency also asked the population to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and maintain preventive measures, such as wearing a mask and distancing themselves.
“Current vaccines remain effective in preventing Covid-19 and serious clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and death,” said Anvisa in a statement.
“The time is for caution. The best thing the population can do is be vaccinated or receive a booster from the immunizing agent and keep preventive measures, such as the use of masks, hand hygiene and social distance.”
The regulatory body also said that it maintains contact with corresponding international agencies and that it is expected that, in the coming weeks, data will be known about the impact of Ômicron on the effectiveness of vaccines.
“Anvisa is committed to working together with the international authorities and the companies involved to allow updates to the vaccines, if necessary, to be carried out quickly, maintaining the profile of quality, efficacy and safety,” he said.
“Anvisa is monitoring the situation and will communicate to the population as the information is presented and evaluated.”
Risks of the Ômicron variant
Ômicron, which has three confirmed cases in Brazil, has generated insecurity around the world. The scientific community fears that the large number of mutations in the spike protein of this variant, part of the virus responsible for infecting cells, could mean an escape from vaccine-induced immunity.
Some immunizing manufacturers say that while it is possible that existing vaccines are less effective against the Ômicron variant, it is likely that the immunizers will protect those infected with the new variant against severe Covid-19 conditions.
South African experts have said so far that the Covid-19 cases sparked by Ômicron have been mild. Scientists generally warn that there are many uncertainties surrounding the new variant and studies are needed to answer questions such as the effectiveness of vaccines against the variant.
Reference: CNN Brasil
