Does very high transmissibility also mean more aggression? And then Omicron manages to ‘pierce’ the vaccines? These are two of the most frequently asked questions of these hours, inevitably also reflected in the XX Congress of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (Simit), in progress in Milan until 1 December, and in which – given the particularly delicate moment in which it takes place – Covid-19 is still predominant compared to other HIV, Hcv and influenza virus infections which also continue to represent a health emergency and are the subject of debate among infectious diseases. A study on the efficacy of the third dose of the vaccine was presented at the congress in recent days.
South African variant, Alberto Mantovani: “There is no reason to worry, let’s stay calm”
by Fiammetta Cupellaro
Does Omicron ‘hole’ vaccines?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated variant B.1.1.529 – Omicron – as ‘Variant of Concern’ (Voc) due to the presence in the variant of several mutations that could impact the behavior of the virus, including in terms of the severity of the disease or the ability to spread. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità informs that WHO is working to estimate the possible impact of the new variant on the protection provided by vaccines and on other prevention measures. But in the meantime, with respect to the questions that citizens ask themselves, what do infectious disease specialists think? Does the Omicron variant manage to ‘pierce’ the vaccines currently available? “At present – he premieres Claudio Mastroianni, vice-president of Simit – we cannot predict whether the Omicron variant will be able to escape the vaccines we have available, but surely taking a third dose can guarantee us a certain degree of protection. Pending a better definition of the level of transmissibility, pathogenicity and immune escape of this new variant – continues Mastroianni – it remains essential to carry out the third dose, which is the main strategy we have to counter the spread of this as well as other variants that may emerge. Then fortunately the mRna vaccines can be easily modified according to the circulation of new viral variants, so any corrections can be easily made “.
South African variant, identikit of the new “version” of the virus: why so many mutations
by Irma D’Aria
But then we got vaccinated in vain?
Meanwhile, while the institutional data are awaited, the rumor between experts of various types continues with tones that are sometimes alarmist and sometimes less than, however, have generated confusion and led several people to say that it is useless to get vaccinated. Someone also wonders if he has been vaccinated unnecessarily since the continuous arrival of new variants does not completely reassure him about immune protection. Is that so? “Absolutely not”, replies Mastroianni. “On the contrary, this situation further highlights the importance of the vaccination campaign and moreover, just think that this new variant has emerged in those countries where the vaccination rate is very low, in South Africa, in fact, it is around 25- 30% and the Italian who is infected is a vaccinated subject who has developed a mild disease anyway “. Of course this is a fact that refers to a single case and we still do not know what will happen on large numbers: “It is difficult to answer this question”, continues the vice-president of Simit – but we must make a general reasoning . Since immunity tends to decrease around the third-fourth month, the important recommendation is not to wait beyond the fifth month to get the booster dose of the vaccine “.
Omicron variant, South Africa sequences less than 1% of coronavirus samples
by Valeria Pini
Recall efficacy study
To reiterate the urgency of the booster dose is also Massimo Andreoni, scientific director of Simit: “It is urgent to proceed with the third dose and to encourage the first in those who have not yet done so. A study that was presented on the occasion of the congress reveals that the administration of the third dose has in fact doubled the effectiveness of the first two, immunizing even more strongly than the previous ones. Therefore, it is necessary to speed up the vaccination campaign throughout the national territory “. Having reached the third dose, should we assume that there will be others too? “Unfortunately, we do not know how many administrations are still planned, only history will tell us this,” replies Andreoni. “One thing is certain: it will be necessary to do it as long as necessary, so this third dose could be the last or just another step that will slowly lead us to eradicate the pandemic. This should not surprise us: there are many vaccines that provide second doses and boosters. The only difference is that, in the case of Covid, the number is not predetermined “.
Masks even outdoors
The ISS reiterates that understanding the severity level of the Omicron infection will take longer (from a few days to a few weeks). In the meantime, in addition to continuing with the vaccination campaign, the other precautions starting from the use of masks are fundamental: “Both the spacing and the use of masks are interventions that must accompany us, together with the vaccination, for a long time to come. Indeed, at this time when the virus is circulating again it is essential to wear masks both indoors and outdoors, especially in situations where there are gatherings “. A warning to keep in mind especially now that we are close to Christmas shopping. “It is good to return to the use of masks outdoors, but without distinction of areas and colors. We cannot talk about anything else, with current data, so lockdowns and closings are currently not considered hypotheses. Our commitment to counter the spread of Covid-19 and all these variants will allow us to experience the end of year holidays in a definitely more positive way than last year ”, concludes Andreoni.
Because the virus keeps mutating
Faced with the arrival of the umpteenth variant, what to think? Will they ever end? “The very presence of a new variant underlines the vitality of the virus, its ability to adapt and it was we who allowed it to do so,” explains Massimo Andreoni. “The diffusibility of Covid has grown exponentially over time, gradually becoming more and more capable of spreading. The Delta variant is, in fact, characterized by a transmissibility from 40 to 60% higher than the Alfa variant. This means that the new variant has a certainly higher transmission percentage, even at worrying levels “.
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