Kraken is now the most virulent strain of coronavirus, but the European Union has a new vaccine. There are now products from three companies to choose from, specially prepared to protect against the variant currently dominating in Europe. At the same time, European experts remind that COVID-19 is still a threat, especially to the elderly, and combined with influenza, there are too many viruses for the fall.
– Vaccinations are our most effective tool in the fight against COVID-19, emphasizes the EU Health Commissioner, calling for all those who can do so to get new, updated versions of vaccines before the winter season. A week ago, the European Medicines Agency approved another product for use in EU countries that is supposed to better deal with new variants of the coronavirus. This is Novavax, the first traditional – because it is protein – vaccine this fall based on technology that has been known for decades.
Earlier, in September, the European Medicines Agency also approved the use of updated Pfizer preparations and the Spikevax vaccine, previously known as Moderna. In both, the active substance is mRNA. There are now products from three companies to choose from, specially prepared to protect against the Omikron XBB 1.5 variant currently dominating in Europe, commonly called Kraken, which is described as the most contagious strain of coronavirus.
Stella Kyriakides, commissioner responsible for health issues, also points out that the upcoming autumn-winter season may be particularly difficult because the coronavirus will circulate in society along with seasonal flu and hospitals must be prepared for such a double attack, and the health service will be under pressure. additional pressure.
The number of COVID-19 patients is increasing in Poland. Experts associate this with the infection season and weather changesMaria Mikołajewska/Fakty TVN
People at risk
Today, increases in disease incidence are visible in most European Union countries, especially among older people. It is the data on infections in the group over 65 that are currently causing the greatest concern among experts from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, which also adds that people over 60 should be the first to receive new vaccines. For now, however, the statistics presented by the EU agency do not exceed the assumptions planned for this time of year.
At this point, there are no restrictions on traveling within the EU due to COVID-19, and there is no need to fill out documents after crossing the border or present Covid passports or other vaccination certificates in any country.
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Main photo source: Reuters