As COVID-19 cases in Europe surge again, access to updated vaccines will keep us safe

 COVID-19 cases in Europe surge again, access to updated vaccines will keep us safe

As COVID-19 cases resurge in Europe, the availability of updated vaccines is paramount for our safety as winter approaches:

This year, Europe is grappling with the proliferation of XBB sublineages, particularly XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16, along with the highly mutated variant BA.2.86, which are driving increased infections and hospitalizations across the continent. While surges in COVID-19 cases are not new, vulnerable populations, such as the immunocompromised and the elderly, remain at heightened risk of severe illness. In light of this growing concern, it becomes imperative to secure a diverse supply of vaccines to address supply challenges and empower individuals with vaccine choices.

 

Why are these updated vaccines crucial?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that the original strain and related variants are no longer prevalent in human circulation. To ensure that updated vaccines offer the strongest immunity against the dominant circulating variants, regulatory bodies and global public health agencies have recommended transitioning to a monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine composition. In addition to scientific data supporting vaccine effectiveness, the anticipated surge in cases this season underscores the necessity of making vaccines accessible across EU member states.

Health authorities are closely monitoring emerging variants, prompting some governments to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination efforts due to concerns about their potential to evade immunity conferred by prior vaccination or infection. The emergence of BA.2.86 and the increasing prevalence of the EG.5 and FL1.5.1 variants underscore the urgency of providing updated COVID-19vaccines. This proactive approach can substantially reduce severe illness and hospitalizations.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the WHO has urged countries to continue monitoring and sequencing COVID-19 cases. This proactive approach enables us to closely assess the risk and severity posed by these strains to public health.

Comprehensive protection and the lingering threat of long COVID are at the forefront of our efforts against COVID-19 in Europe and beyond. Alongside concerns about severe illness and hospitalization, the WHO estimates that approximately 36 million people across the EU/EEA region may have developed long COVID since the pandemic's onset. This means that about 1 in 30 Europeans may grapple with persistent symptoms like sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, headaches, and forgetfulness, making it challenging to resume normal life. Given these circumstances, governments, health organizations, and the public must remain vigilant as respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 continue to spread during this season.

Member states must have access to a diverse range of COVID-19 vaccines, enabling healthcare professionals and the general public to make informed decisions based on the latest scientific and real-world evidence. Moreover, alongside vaccine choice, it is crucial to offer healthcare professionals access to various vaccine presentations, such as single-dose vials, which can help minimize wastage compared to multi-dose vials.

At Moderna, our unwavering commitment to public health remains steadfast, and mRNA technology has played a pivotal role in our battle against emerging strains. The scalability and adaptability of the mRNA platform are instrumental in responding to the ever-evolving virus.

As we enter October, collaboration between governments, health authorities, and the industry will continue to be vital in meeting the public's needs and ensuring that individuals have the option to safeguard their health. The tireless work of scientists and researchers behind the scenes in developing new vaccines underscores their dedication and expertise as we confront the ongoing challenge of COVID-19.