The new COVID-19 omicron variant is spreading faster than any previous strain, the World Health Organization warns. It believes the omicron is now present in most countries across the world.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, during a COVID update in Geneva said 77 countries have now reported cases of omicron. “And the reality is that omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet.”
WHO has expressed concerns that countries are dismissing omicron as a mild variant. Though it is more contagious, it is not clear whether the strain causes more mild or severe disease than past variants of the coronavirus.
Tedros said that we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. “Even if omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems,” he warned. “Vaccines alone will not protect countries from omicron. Its not vaccines instead of masks. Its not vaccines instead of distancing. It’s not vaccines instead of ventilation or hand hygiene. Do it all. Do it consistently. Do it well.”
Moreover, recent studies of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine showed it produced far fewer neutralizing antibodies against omicron than against the original strain. But this deficit could be reversed by a third booster jab. Tedros says boosters could play an important role in curbing the spread of COVID-19, but that it was a question of prioritization.
“The order matters. Giving boosters to groups at low risk of severe disease or death simply endangers the lives of those at high risk who are still waiting for their primary doses because of supply constraints,” he said.
Virologists from the Kirby Institute, in Australia, believe a third booster COVID-19 vaccine dose will be essential to get high protection against symptoms from the omicron variant. Researchers said COVID boosters may be required every six months to protect against the variant.
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WHO has pointed out that while developed countries are giving nod for booster jabs, the African region where the omicron was first detected has the lowest vaccination rates. The health body says it will take Africa until May 2022 to have 40% vaccination coverage and until August 2024 to reach 70% as countries with plentiful vaccine supplies raced to administer third doses to beat omicron.
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