WHO Omicron Update: Vaccines May Not Be Effective, Warns Nations Not To Take It Lightly

In the first official meeting held between countries and World Health Organisation, it is being said that rate of Omicron variant spread is higher than any other variant previously. COVID-19 has been coming up with new variants every now and then, and it seems that it could be very problematic. Omicron variant has spread to 77 countries till now and it has been said to be more transmissible than the earlier delta variant. WHO director general has warned all the nations not to take this Omicron COVID-19 virus lightly. New cases of Omicron are also emerging in India, and if precautions are not taken, then it could lead to severe complications.

WHO Update On Omicron Variant

During the media briefing on COVID-19, focussing on Omicron variant, Director General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told that Omicron has spread to 77 countries now. It is spreading at a rate which is has not been seen before by any other COVID-19 variant. He mentioned in his statement that it is quite possible that Omicron may not have been detected in some countries where it is already present. 

Even if Omicron does not lead to severity, the widespread number of cases could be overwhelming. Also most of the health systems are still not prepared to deal with this kind of COVID-19 wave, therefore no country should take it lightly.

WHO on Vaccine Effectiveness

Director General of WHO has said that there could be decline in effectiveness of vaccine for Omicron variant. The two dose program may not be able to stop the spread of Omicron variant of corona virus. The spread of booster shot may also not be able to prevent COVID-19 infection from spreading and affecting people.

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In the press briefing, WHO has told, Omicron has prompted to roll out booster shots to programmes in many countries. However this may not be as effective because we still do not have relevant evidence to support the use of booster shot of corona virus vaccination in the countries. WHO is concerned that booster shot will repeat the problems every nation had in early this year during Delta variant, it could exacerbate inequity.

Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant. I need to be very clear: vaccines alone will not get any country out of this crisis.
It’s not vaccines instead of masks, distancing, ventilation or hand hygiene.
Do it all. Do it consistently. Do it well.

pic.twitter.com/YAVfJXsviQ — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 14, 2021

WHO Advice for Omicron Prevention

WHO director has also mentioned that vaccine booster shot is would not be able to stop the rapid spread of Omicron variant in different nations. Also it is not the alone solution for preventing ‘Third Wave of COVID-19”.  Director Tedros advices people of following precautions-

1. Keep your masks up, try to put on double mask in public area.
2. Make use of social distancing as Omicron can spread rapidly
3. Ventilation is important, thus make sure you are in environment that is properly ventilated.
4. Give special importance to hand hygiene, regular washing of hands, frequent and effectively. 

Omicron COVID-19 India Update

Omicron risk is increasing as 8 new cases of variant of concern have been detected in Maharashtra today. This makes a total of 61 cases of Omicron in India. Unfortunately, the numbers of general corona virus cases are also rapidly increasing, putting a risk of third wave in India.

Also Read- Worried About Omicron And Its Aftermaths? Here Are 8 Tips By Expert To Reduce COVID Risk