WHO calls for creation of new Covid-19 vaccine

"Vaccination strategies based on repeated booster doses of existing vaccines do not appear to be appropriate or sustainable," the World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group on Covid-19 vaccine candidates (TAG-Co-VAC) said in a statement on January 11.

TAG-Co-VAC calls for adapting existing vaccines to increase their effectiveness against emerging variants, such as the Omicron strain that has spread rapidly and appeared in 149 countries and territories.

According to WHO experts, new vaccines should be developed that not only protect vaccinated people from the risk of becoming seriously ill, but also protect vaccinated people from the risk of being infected with the virus more effectively.

Medical staff prepare to inject Covid-19 vaccine in Dresden, Germany, in July 2021. Photo:Reuters.

TAG-Co-VAC believes that this vaccine will reduce community transmission and help ease strict and widespread anti-epidemic measures. WHO experts also suggested that manufacturers develop a vaccine that "produces good and long-lasting immunity to reduce the need for consecutive booster doses".

According to WHO, 331 vaccine candidates are being studied around the world.

TAG-Co-VAC added that until new vaccines are developed, current Covid-19 vaccines may need to be adjusted. "This is to ensure that vaccines continue to provide protection against infection and severe disease from variants of concern, such as the Omicron strain and future variants," TAG-Co-VAC said.

WHO has approved nine Covid-19 vaccines. TAG-Co-VAC stressed that these vaccines are still highly effective in preventing the risk of severe illness and death caused by variants.

Data fromAFPshows more than 8 billion doses of vaccineCovid-19have been vaccinated in at least 219 countries and territories. According to United Nations data, while more than 67% of people in high-income countries have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, the figure in low-income countries is less than 11%.