THE European Medicines Agency (EMA) stated today, Tuesday (11/1) that the vaccines against coronavirus remain effective against the serious illness and hospitalization caused by Omicron mutation, according to preliminary data – however more data is needed to understand the impact of this highly contagious variant on approved vaccines.
A similar position has been taken the World Health Organization (WHO), which called on member states to continue research.
At the same time, Coreper expressed doubts about the need to grant a fourth dose to the general population, transmits the RES EIA.
“There is not enough data for the 4th dose yet”
“Repeated vaccinations at short intervals could not be a viable long-term strategy,” said the head of vaccination strategy at the European Medicines Agency. Marco Cavaleri, during a press conference.
“There is still not enough data to support the 4th dose and we would like to see them before “We make any recommendations,” he said.
“We need to consider what the best vaccination strategy will be over time, making it clear that we can not administer booster doses every 3-4 months,” he said.
It is pointed out that in Greece the fourth booster dose received a “green light” for its administration to a special category of the population, τTheυς aνTheσTheKaτeστaλwithνTheυς.
Referring to the vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals, Mr. Cavaleri said that a 2nd boost is indeed expected.
Third dose in children
Regarding the 3rd dose for people under 18 years of age, the head of the Coreper Vaccine Strategy said that Pfizer’s request for the “Comirnaty” vaccine for ages is being evaluated. 16 and 17 years old, while a request is expected from the same pharmaceutical company for the ages 12-15.
The results of the evaluation of Coreper for the administration of the 3rd dose in the ages 12-18 years old will be announced as soon as possible, said Mr. Cavaleri.
The concern for Omicron remains
Asked if we are entering an endemic phase, the head of Coreper replied that Omicron is causing great concern for the huge number of cases it will bring to the EU.
«Even if the severity of the disease is lower, unfortunately many people will be hospitalized. We must be prepared for the consequences of such a wave“, He stated.
At the same time, he added, the fact that this virus is so contagious means that many people will be exposed to the virus – which means that there will be a natural boost in the immunity of all of us who will be important to build the extra layer of immunity that could lead to endemicity.
“We can think that after this wave has passed through Europe and other parts of the world, many people will have been exposed to the virus and would have had a strong immunity “that will pave the way to the endemic phase”, said Mr. Cavaleri.
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