As a wave of infections driven by two new variants sweeps across Europe, experts at the World Health Organization recommend that people with compromised immune systems receive a second dose of Covid-19.
A member of medical staff innoculates a patient with a Pfizer/biotech booster.
Member states should intensify efforts to keep people up-to-date on their vaccinations and expand eligibility for additional booster doses, according to the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.
Second boosters should be given to people who are moderately and severely immunocompromised, along with their close contacts, like people in the same household.
They said member states should consider giving additional shots to healthcare workers, older adults and pregnant women, as well as for Covid-19 vaccine boosters to be given to pregnant women.
The WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said in a statement that expanding eligibility for second Europeans will help avoid severe infections and prevent hospital systems from being overburdened with Covid-19 patients.
The European Union's health agencies recommended a second dose for everyone 60 and older.
As we go about our daily lives, we need to remember that the virus is still dangerous. Kluge said to take a second booster shot if you're eligible.
White House sources told CNN that the Biden administration is working on a plan to expand Covid-19 eligibility to all adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only half of Americans eligible for a first booster had gotten one on Thursday. Only one in four Americans 50 and older received a second dose of the vaccine last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of new Covid-19 cases is on the rise. The 14-day case rate went up by 28% last week to reach 912 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the EU and other countries. Most new cases are caused by the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the Omicron strain, according to experts. Experts say the two strains do not appear to cause more severe illness, despite early evidence that suggests they are more resistant to antibodies from vaccines. mask mandates, Covid-19 passports, and required testing have been dropped by many European governments.
As Covid Cases Rise, the Highly Contagious BA.5 variant becomes dominant in the U.S.
Is it a good idea to get a covid booster. This is who should and how.
Airlines are being told to stop selling summer tickets due to travel chaos.
Live updates on the coronaviruses.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
