Ministry of Health: Omicron variant still dominates, gene sequencing is still performed regularly

Recently, in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases, many groups on social networks (Zalo) shared the following content: New COVID-Omicron variant: 5 times more toxic than the Delta variant, so of course it has a higher mortality rate. There were even warnings: "The difference is no cough, no fever...". This information was quickly spread by social network users without verification.

Informing the press, Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan said that the work of sequencing COVID-19 genes is still being carried out regularly by units. Currently, laboratories are still collecting samples from outbreaks or randomly testing for gene sequencing. In addition, receiving information from international sources about virus variants, if any.

"Up to this point, the World Health Organization and the country have not recorded any other variants. Currently, in the world as well as in Vietnam, the Omicron variant is still dominant," said Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan.

COVID-19 gene sequencing work is still being regularly deployed by units.

The Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine informed that up to now, the Omicron sub-variant has appeared for 16 months with more than 500 different sub-variants. This variant is currently circulating in most places in the world and is dominant. Experts have found that this is a variant with fast spreading characteristics, but there is no clear evidence of severe cases.

With the Omicron variant, the vaccine is still effective in preventing severe cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, so people need to be fully vaccinated according to the recommendations of the health sector. "Scientists predict that the SARS-CoV-2 virus will continue to exist, so in order not to affect the socio-economy and life, preventive measures need to focus on high-risk groups." - Professor, Dr. Phan Trong Lan recommended.

The World Health Organization estimates that most people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have been infected have immunity – either from the vaccine or from the disease itself. This is the factor that makes cases of the disease milder, with few or no symptoms. According to the new recommendation, priority should be given to vaccination to protect high-risk groups (elderly people, people with underlying diseases, people with immunodeficiency, pregnant women) because if the immunity of these subjects is reduced, it can easily lead to worsening of the condition, hospitalization, and death.

Therefore, localities need to review and assess the need for COVID-19 vaccination according to regulations and send proposals to the Ministry of Health as a basis for fully and balanced allocation of vaccines and have a timely vaccination plan to achieve the best epidemic prevention effect.

Vietnam is currently continuing to effectively implement the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic with a sustainable management model. The Ministry of Health has been closely monitoring the situation, not being passive in the face of new developments of the epidemic; at the same time, coordinating with experts and domestic and international organizations to regularly update and assess the situation in order to proactively make appropriate adjustments; besides, still ensuring the mobilization of resources of the entire political and social system in the fight against the epidemic and ensuring unified response with countries around the world.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people and the community proactively implement epidemic prevention and control measures according to the 2K Message (Masks, Disinfection) + vaccines + drugs + treatment + technology + public awareness and other measures./.