WHO study highlights lifesaving impact of Covid-19 vaccines
40+ Olympic athletes test positive
With Europe experiencing a new wave of Covid-19 cases this summer, a new study by WHO/Europe has underscored the crucial role of vaccines in combating the pandemic.
Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the study reveals that Covid-19 vaccines have significantly reduced deaths across the European region, saving over 1.6 million lives since their rollout began in December 2020.
The WHO/Europe study estimates that the death toll from Covid-19 in Europe, currently at 2.2 million, might have soared to 4 million without the vaccines. The most significant impact was observed among individuals aged 60 and older, who are at higher risk of severe illness and death from the virus.
Dr Margaux Meslé from WHO/Europe, one of the study’s authors, said: “The results are clear: Covid-19 vaccination saves lives. Our findings highlight vaccines’ essential role in allowing people to return to normalcy in their work and personal lives. Without the extensive vaccination efforts, many more lives would have been disrupted and lost.”
The study notes that the vaccines were particularly effective from December 2021 to March 2023, the period dominated by the Omicron variant.
The most significant benefits were in countries with early and extensive vaccination programmes, including Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, Malta, and the United Kingdom.
Despite the progress, a resurgence of Covid-19 cases has been reported recently, marking a ‘summer wave’ of infections. This uptick is attributed to increased travel, mass gatherings, and the absence of competing respiratory illnesses like influenza.
At the Olympics
As of August 6, 2024, WHO’s event-based surveillance system, which monitors media reports and other verified sources, indicated that 40+ Olympic athletes in France have tested positive for Covid-19 or other respiratory illnesses.
In this regard, WHO is collaborating closely with the International Olympic Committee and the French government to ensure the health and safety of the 10,714 athletes and spectators during the Games.
The percentage of patients with respiratory illnesses testing positive for Sars-CoV-2 has increased fivefold over the past two months, with a corresponding rise in hospitalisations. The increase in cases underscores the ongoing need for updated Covid-19 vaccinations, particularly for high-risk individuals, including older people, those with compromised immune systems, and healthcare workers.
To mitigate the risk of infection, health experts recommend wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, practising good hand hygiene, and staying vigilant for symptoms of Covid-19. For those at high risk, antiviral medications may also reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
The study also highlights the importance of continued surveillance to monitor disease patterns and the emergence of new variants. While current vaccines remain effective against the most common circulating variants, ongoing research aims to determine the duration of protection offered by booster doses.
Dr Meslé urges continued vigilance: “Although we are no longer in the pandemic phase, Covid-19 remains a significant threat. Vaccination continues to be crucial for those at high risk of severe illness.”
As Europe navigates this summer wave and anticipates potential future waves, maintaining robust vaccination efforts and public health measures remains essential for managing the long-term impact of Covid-19.
Featured image: Covid-19 vaccines were particularly effective in Europe from December 2021 to March 2023. Credit: Anna Shvets
