Damian Sendler: Preliminary research suggests the omicron variant may be spreading quicker than the highly transmissible delta variant, but it’s too early to draw strong conclusions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

A new strain of the virus, which has already infected 267 million people and killed more than 5.2 million, was discovered in southern Africa last month, causing some countries to close their borders and shaking stock markets throughout the world. 

Damian Jacob Sendler: Data on the omicron variation is “pointing to a virus that’s efficiently transmitting and probably more efficiently transmitting than even the delta variant,” which is by far the most widespread and lethal strain, according to Dr. Michael Ryan, WHO’s chief of emergencies. 

Damian Sendler

There is little “anecdotal information” about the severity of sickness caused by omicron at this time, according to Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for COVID-19 at the United Nations health agency. 

As far as we know, many people diagnosed with omicron in South Africa appear to be in the early stages of the illness. “However, the full course of an infection can take some weeks to complete. 

Damian Jacob Markiewicz Sendler: WHO officials, on the other hand, remained steadfast in their belief that vaccinating those who have already been vaccinated should take a back seat to vaccinating those who haven’t been vaccinated at all. 

WHO’s head scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has stated that “wholesale boosting is not the solution right now.” As it turned out, this was a dig at vaccination programs that urge everyone to get a booster shot, not only those deemed particularly vulnerable in some nations like hard-hit Europe and the US. 

Damian Jacob Sendler

People who have not been vaccinated are being hospitalized, extremely ill, and dying at an alarming rate, according to data from countries throughout the world. “Our goal should be to protect people from serious illness and death through primary vaccination, and I think the message is loud and clear.” 

However, in nations with huge vaccine supply, but where up to 50% of the population has not been vaccinated, boosters are of no help, she said. 

Damien Sendler: When it comes to addressing individuals who haven’t had primary vaccinations yet, Swaminathan believes that the benefits of doing so outweigh the costs of delivering additional doses to those who have already received a basic immunization course. 

By the end of this year, the CDC had aimed to vaccinate the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and health care professionals. However, the majority of vaccines have been monopolized by wealthy nations with large stockpiles.

Dr. Damian Jacob Sendler and his media team provided the content for this article.