The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a new report, which assesses the risk of the population due to the evolution of the pandemic until January 31, 2022, where it asks the countries of the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) to focus their actions on vaccinating the unvaccinated; in keeping public health measures in place during the holidays and, to the extent possible, give the booster dose now to people over 40, the elderly and vulnerable peoples.
Following its publication, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that “It is clear that we must intensify vaccination to control the pandemic” and he has hoped to be able to “convince” the population that he is still resisting inoculation. “The reinforcement must be available to all adults, with priority for those over 40 years of age and the vulnerable population. And let’s continue with distance and a mask!”, He has asked in line with the ECDC recommendations.
The report warns that the current average level of vaccine inoculation in the EU it will be insufficient to limit the burden of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations during the winter months.
Therefore, countries are urged to give the highest priority to people initially targeted by the COVID-19 vaccination programs who remain unvaccinated or are not yet fully vaccinated.
Likewise, it indicates that increase immunization coverage in all eligible age groups, but particularly in the elderly, the vulnerable, and health workers it must remain the priority for public health authorities. “There remains an urgent need to close the immunity gaps in the adult population and ensure effective and equitable coverage in all countries and regions of Europe,” they warn.
Third, ECDE is addressing the National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAG) to study the possibility of giving the booster dose for those over 40 years of age, aimed at the most vulnerable and the elderly. Although it opens the consideration to adults over 18 years of age at least six months after immunization complete.
“Since pressures on health systems can arise due to the co-circulation of other respiratory viruses, NPIs need to be implemented or strengthened now, with efforts to communicate the importance of these measures early, to reduce contacts and mixing during the end of the year festivities, “the report states.
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
