We may see more variations, the Greek government’s chief strategic adviser told the European Parliament’s special committee on the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic is here to stay and we expect the effects to probably worsen. Currently there are five variants, but we may see more as the virus evolves, said Sotiris Tsiodraswho has been appointed as the main strategic advisor to the Greek government on the pandemic COVID-19 in GREECE.
Mr. Tsiodras, speaking online to the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic meeting in Brussels, pointed out that “there is a global need for a new generation of vaccines” and referred to the recommendations of the EMA and ECDC for a second booster dose for those over 60 and vulnerable groups.
The fatigue of society does not allow us to take more measures, information remains vital but to a large extent it has been done, he added, stressing that we will continue to monitor the pandemic and the new variant and prioritize the protection of high-risk groups with utilization of the test strategy.
Mr. Tsiodras received a question from New Democracy MEP Stelios Kymbouropoulos, regarding the steps that can be taken at the EU level for the surveillance of acute respiratory diseases and monitoring the emergence of new mutations.
He was also asked about the vaccination strategy, in autumn and winter, as well as about the special characteristics of the immunocompromised in the context of dealing with the pandemic.
“It is important to monitor the pandemic ahead of winter and to make decisions at the European level,” answered Mr. Tsiodras, stressing that we must have sustainability and surveillance systems, not only for Covid-19 but also for influenza and other diseases that pose a pandemic threat. For the high-risk population he said that although we have vaccinated three-quarters of the high-risk population with the fourth dose of the original vaccine, we have failed.
And the question is whether we wait for a new vaccine that we don’t know when it will be available at the risk of more human losses, or whether we should use the available vaccines.
There is no clear answer. There is a global need for the new generation of vaccines, but more studies are also needed, he underlined and referred to the decisions taken a few days ago by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) who recommend the second booster dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in people between the ages of 60 and 79 and people with medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe disease.
The Greek official also pointed to the mental health dimension of Covid and noted that Greece appointed a deputy minister specifically in this area during the pandemic. He also spoke about the strategy of tests and information, while when asked if non-Covid patients were left behind during the pandemic, he answered that this is mainly due to the fear of patients to approach hospitals.
Mr. Tsiodras and Prof. Erika Vlige, Head of Strategy of Belgium’s COVID Expert Group, were asked by MEPs about the contribution of the mask and the discomfort it causes many people, the lack of coherent policies on this issue and as to the emphasis that should be placed alternately on good ventilation and air quality.
Scientists agree that the contribution of the mask is important, the two experts noted, accepting that there are differences in the implementation of the measure.
There were questions with concerns about vaccinating children, given that they are sick with mild symptoms, to which Mrs. Vlige answered that the risk is that along with the children, older people who are in contact with them will also fall ill, while the priority is to stay open schools and public spaces in which they move.
It is noted that the Special Committee of the EP on the COVID-19 pandemic has been meeting since the morning, whose members exchanged views with the directors of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Andrea Amon and the Authority for Preparedness and Response to Health Emergency Situations ( HERA) Pierre Delso, as well as leading epidemiologists from five EU countries, including Sotiris Tsiodras.
The discussion focused on lessons learned from the national vaccination strategies and campaigns implemented, including vaccine and data collection considerations, as well as the evolution of virus mutations and addressing the vulnerable population as well as healthcare.
The MEPs asked a series of questions to the experts and heads of the European organizations ECDC and HERA about the work being done at the European level and about the predictions and perspectives in view of the autumn and the increase in infections in several EU countries
The EP recommended in March 2022 the “Special committee on the Covid-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future”, which focuses on four pillars: health, democracy and fundamental rights, social and economic impacts.
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