https://whn.global/joint-statement-vaccines/
"Respiratory virus season in 2023-2024 is a significant challenge in the fight
against COVID-19. We know that even mild cases of COVID-19 may affect people’s
daily lives for several days or weeks, and we all have seen—even among
previously healthy individuals—that the repercussions of contracting the virus
can be devastating: “Long COVID” symptoms, organ damage, disability, and death.
As new vaccines designed to combat the XBB.1.5 and similar variants are
becoming available, it is imperative that access to these vaccines be provided
to all individuals at risk of infection, including medically vulnerable persons
and the elderly. For everyone to receive the important protections that
vaccinations provide, it is essential to make these vaccines available to all.
Recently the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Canada
approved universal access to the new vaccines for everyone over 6 months old.
We believe other countries should follow suit. We must move away from the
notion that only specific vulnerable populations should receive these new
vaccines. Immunity wanes. New variants emerge. So previous immunizations and
infections do not necessarily confer future protection. But, by limiting access
to vaccines based on vulnerability, we fail to protect the general population
and increase the risk of the virus continuing to evolve and circulate.
Vaccination also should not be delayed. The surge in variants observed in
recent weeks highlights the urgency of vaccinating individuals
before they
are exposed to potential risks. For example, the return to school is a primary
source of infection for children and families. The recent introduction of new
vaccines
after the return to school has led to many infections that likely
could have been avoided.
In pursuit of widespread vaccination, it is essential to address the issue of
access. Cost, availability, and ineffective public health messaging contribute
to disparities in vaccine distribution. So we call for healthcare providers and
medical doctors both to advocate for universal access and to dispel
misinformation. Moreover, a wide set of options should be available using mRNA
and non-mRNA vaccines, including the possibility of using them in combination.
Vaccines are an important tool in combating the harms of COVID-19, decreasing
deaths, hospitalizations, organ damage, and the impacts of Long COVID. But
vaccines do not offer complete protection. Therefore, it is necessary to take a
comprehensive approach to minimize infection risks, including mask-wearing,
clean-air initiatives with ventilation and air filtering, surveillance testing,
and physical distancing. When combined, these measures can effectively reduce
the risk of transmission. By implementing these strategies along with
vaccination we can reduce the risks of COVID-19, and prioritize the well-being
of people worldwide."
Via Violet Blue’s
Pandemic Roundup: November 9, 2023
https://www.patreon.com/posts/pandemic-roundup-92570484
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
