Complete vaccination is key to protection against serious disease with COVID-19, report EMA and ECDC

With the increasing release of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in EU and EEA countries, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) strongly encourage those eligible for vaccination but not still be vaccinated, start and complete the proposed vaccination program against it COVID-19 in time.

According to a statement from the two organizations, full vaccination with either of the EU / EEA-approved vaccines offers a high level of protection against serious diseases and deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2, including variants such as Delta. The highest level of protection, it is reported, is achieved after enough time (seven to fourteen days) from the day of the last vaccine dose.

It is also noted that vaccination is also important to protect those at greater risk of serious illness and hospitalization, reducing the spread of the virus and preventing the emergence of new variants.

"While the available vaccines are extremely effective in protecting people from serious disease COVID-19, until higher percentages of the population are immunized, the risk has not been overcome. We are now witnessing a growing number of cases COVID-19 "Across the EU and the EEA, vaccines remain the best available option to prevent an increase in serious illness and death," said Mike Catchpole, chief ECDC scientist.

As vaccination campaigns increase rapidly across the EU and the EEA, it is also reported that in some cases it may be appropriate to consider reducing the interval between 1^th and 2^th within the permitted limits, especially for persons at risk of serious disease with COVID-19 who have not completed the proposed vaccination program.

Infections in vaccinated people do not mean that the vaccines do not work

As mentioned, although the effectiveness of all vaccines COVID-19 approved in the EU / EEA is very high, no vaccine is 100% effective. This means that a limited number of SARS-CoV-2 infections are expected among individuals who have completed the proposed vaccination program (ie, "pioneering infections"). However, when infections do occur, vaccines can greatly prevent serious illnesses and significantly reduce the number of people hospitalized due to COVID-19.

"These vaccines against her COVID-19 are very effective. However, as long as the virus continues to circulate, we will continue to see pioneering infections in vaccinated individuals, "said Fergus Sweeney, head of clinical studies and manufacturing at EMA.

"This does not mean that vaccines do not work. Vaccinated people are much better protected against serious disease with COVID-19 "Unvaccinated people, and we should all try to get fully vaccinated at the first opportunity," he said.

The EMA and the ECDC recommend full vaccination COVID-19 to all eligible citizens. Until more people are vaccinated and while SARS-CoV-2 is still spreading, everyone should abide by national regulations and continue to take measures such as using a mask and respecting social distance, even those who have received full vaccination program, added.

It also states that the EMA and the ECDC remain committed to working closely with other EU bodies and national bodies to collect, produce and share the best scientific data to help Member States protect public health in their national situations.