THE Omicron mutation of coronavirus will probably be dominant in early 2022, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) despite the fact that at the moment the Delta mutation remains the most widespread. “Therefore, we assess the possibility of further spread of the Omicron variant in the European Union and the European Economic Area as very high“, points out.
In detail, the relevant European agency states in its latest note on the risk assessment of the new variant of the virus in the European Union and the European Economic Area:
The emergence of the Omicron concern variant raises serious concerns due to preliminary reports of significant development advantage and possible immune escape compared to the Delta variant. Although the Omicron cases originally reported in the EU / EEA were linked to travel, there is now a growing number of cases acquired within the EU / EEA, including team sections and hearths.
Cases are also detected through representative sampling in routine monitoring systems.
This shows that the Community transmission is already ongoing in EU / EEA countries and what is expected further rapid increase in the number of cases over the next two months.
“It is very likely that Omicron will cause additional hospitalizations and deaths”
The data are currently too limited to assess the severity of Omicron-induced disease in the EU and EEA population.
However, even if the severity of the disease caused by this mutation is equal to or less than the severity of Delta, increased transmission and the consequent exponential increase in cases will quickly offset the potential benefits of a reduced severity.
Therefore, it is very likely that Omicron will cause additional hospitalizations and deaths, in addition to those already expected in previous forecasts that take into account only Delta.
Vaccines and Micron
The efficacy of vaccines against severe Delta-induced outcomes remains high. From 9 December 2021, the cumulative full intake of the COVID-19 vaccine in the total EU / EEA population is 66,8%. Overall, download progress remains uneven between countries, with four EU / EEA countries reporting even less than 50% full intake of vaccines in their total population.
In addition, there are still insufficient real-life data on the efficacy of vaccines approved in the EU in relation to Omicron mutation.
Recommendation for booster vaccination “shortly”
According to the available data, regarding the serious consequences caused by Delta and possibly Omicron, the booster doses will increase protection, with the impact on the population expected to be higher if the booster dose is given to most adults in a short period of time.
Moreover, the available data support the safe and effective administration of the booster dose already three months after completion of the initial vaccination. Shortening the dosing period to three months may require adjustment of national vaccine development plans.
“The measures will give us time”
In response to its high incidence, the non-pharmaceutical interventions (public health measures) should continue to be implemented by all countries and given the imminent possible dominance of Omicron, they should be further strengthened without delay.
Their immediate reinforcement will slow the spread of Omicron, to allow countries to save time for further development of vaccines, including booster doses, and to prevent a sudden high effect from the spread of this variant.
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