More than two years ago the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In this 2022, the number of infections and deaths from the disease have been reduced, which for experts means a new stage.
The virus has been combated through vaccines from different pharmaceutical companies, for example, Pfizer. After the application of millions of doses of this biological, Albert Bourla, director of the company, stated that a new reinforcement would be required.
Immunity against new variants
We’ll see what the experts say
“A fourth puncture is necessary. The protection obtained with the third vaccine is good enough, (…) but it does not last long with the arrival of new variants, “said Bourla, in a chat with the American network ‘CBS’.
(Also: Covid-19 indicators decrease in Colombia: can we talk about endemic?).
Although the executive highlighted that the applications so far have been effective in preventing numerous deaths and hospitalizations from covid-19, he emphasized that Over the months, variants develop, such as omicron, with a greater ability to evade immunization.
“We are sending that data to the FDA and then we will see what the experts outside of Pfizer will say,” he concluded.
For now, the discussion of a fourth dose of the vaccine will take place in the United States. As Bourla mentioned, it will be the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the one in charge of analyzing the matter.
“At this time we must be very well coordinated so that we can all give the American people and the world an image of unity instead of confusion,” he said.
Likewise, the director of Pfizer announced that his vaccine could be available for children under five years of age in the coming weeks if the US health authorities approve it.
(Keep reading: Ministry of Health evaluates whether to include a pill against covid-19 in the health system).
What does the WHO say about the doses of the vaccine?
They are highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization against delta and omicron variants.
The World Health Organization (WHO) clarifies, on its official website, that until February 2022 “we are still learning how long the protection of vaccines against covid-19 lasts”.
The authority does not specify exactly how many doses would be needed; he has only called on people to give themselves a booster dose.
According to their data, “Vaccines approved either by the WHO or by a strict national regulatory agency are highly effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization against delta and omicron variants, as well as other variants of concern.” .
(Don’t stop reading: Moderna announces trial that combines anticovid vaccine and another against omicron).
Despite this, countries like Denmark, France, Israel, Chile and Argentina already apply the fourth dose for the population with the highest riskFor example, adults over 80 years of age.
In Colombia the issue has not taken on greater importance, since Carlos AlvarezWHO delegate infectologist in Colombia, said it was “premature” to speak of a fourth dose.
“It is possible that in the next eight weeks we will have much more accurate information that can help us make decisions about a fourth dose, if necessary, in a certain population, in the entire population or in no one,” he commented in a conversation with the agency. of news ‘Colprensa’.
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