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Omicron mutation: Probably increased risk of re-infection, says WHO

His boss World Health Organization (WHO) claimed on Wednesday that Omicron mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes Covid-19 appears to be more contagious, but causes milder symptoms compared to Delta.

“Preliminary data from South Africa suggest that risk of re-infection is higher with Omicron, but we need more data to draw safer conclusions.

“There is also evidence to suggest that Omicron is causing symptoms less severely than Delta, but even here it is too early to be sure.” Tentos Antanom Gebregesous during the regular briefing of journalists in Geneva.

In order to get a more accurate picture of the characteristics of this variant more quickly, the WHO Director-General asked all countries to contribute, submitting data to the Organization, transmits the RES EIA.

To better combat Omicron, he also called on all countries to continue their efforts to vaccination and compliance with meters (distances, use of a mask, restriction of social contacts, etc.).

“Early” assessment to reduce the effectiveness of vaccines

The leading scientist of the WHO, Dr. Sumia Swaminathan, also referred to the preliminary studies published in recent days and suggest that the Omicron variant makes the vaccine less effective. Pfizer/BioNTech.

“I think it is too early to conclude that a reduction in neutralizing antibodies” will lead to a significant reduction in the effectiveness of the vaccine. “We do not know this,” Swaminathan said, adding that a concerted, global research effort is needed to prevent arbitrary conclusions.

It is noted that Pfizer itself announced today that its vaccine “remains effective against Covid-19 as well as the Omicron variant if administered three times“, Citing a study he conducted.

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