Vaccines alone have become inadequate due to the emergence of 'concerned mutants' of the new corona, experts recommend implementing a 'maximum suppression strategy'



Experts from the Lancet COVID-19 Commission Taskforce on Public Health , an international new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) control committee established by the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet, have announced the new coronavirus (SARS-). Due to the spread of the CoV-2) mutant strain, he issued a statement that 'the vaccine alone can no longer guarantee victory' and recommended that the health authorities of each country continue strong public health measures.

New COVID variants have changed the game, and vaccines will not be enough. We need global'maximum suppression'
https://theconversation.com/new-covid-variants-have-changed-the-game-and-vaccines-will-not-be-enough-we-need-global-maximum-suppression-157870

Eight experts, including Chris Barren, a professor of public health at the University of Auckland, New Zealand and co-chair of the Lancet COVID-19 Commission Taskforce on Public Health, contributed to the academic media The Conversation. 'By the end of 2020, it was strongly expected that adequate vaccination would give humans an edge over SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19. With the emergence of a new ' Variants of Concern (VOC) ' and the spread of infections around the world, current pandemic measures, including vaccines, could disrupt plans. ' He expressed concern that the immunity gained from vaccines and recovery from COVID-19 increases the risk of developing uncontrollable mutants.



The following three types of VOCs have been confirmed to exist so far.

1: First reported in South Africa

B.1.351

2: First reported in the UK B.1.1.7

3: P.1 confirmed by travelers from Brazil to Japan

The effect of the vaccine on these mutants is unknown. For example, for the B.1.1.7, which was discovered in the United Kingdom, both of Pfizer-made vaccine and AstraZeneca-made vaccine is to function has been considered, but there is also concern that the effectiveness is reduced.

British mutants of the highly infectious new coronavirus are acquiring mutations that reduce vaccine efficacy-GIGAZINE



In addition, B.1.351, which has been detected in at least 48 countries by March 2021, is about 50% more infectious than previously confirmed mutants and has only partial immune protection. That thing. In addition, B.1.351 has been reported to reduce the effectiveness of AstraZeneca vaccines in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

For this reason, Barren et al. 'The simultaneous occurrence of similar mutations in different countries means that even in areas with good border control and vaccination, COVID-19 If the infection is fairly advanced, it means that it is difficult to protect the population from domestic mutations. Therefore, it is important to stop the spread in the community. SARS-CoV-2 Since a single measure is not enough to prevent the spread, countries need to maintain strong public health measures in parallel with vaccination, that is,' maximum control of (PDF file) '. ' Said.

The 'maximum control' advocated by Barren et al. Is to literally limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection by thoroughly implementing the infection control measures that have been taken so far. Specifically, wearing a mask, keeping a physical distance, and ventilating the room.



According to Barren et al., Each time the virus is replicated, there are three chances of mutation. Therefore, Barren et al. Emphasize that reducing the virus infection rate as much as possible is important for controlling the emergence of VOCs.

From this point, Barren et al. 'No one is really safe until everyone is safe from COVID-19. We prevent the spread and global COVID- before new mutants emerge. 19 We are forced to fight the time of having to reduce the infection rate sufficiently. In many countries, we do not have the ability to analyze the genome of the virus to see if it is a new mutant, which means that VOC is already This situation, with at least three being found, is more serious than it looks, 'he reiterated the importance of promoting global vaccination and public health measures.

in Note, Posted by log1l_ks