COVID booster may lower protection against omicron reinfection, study finds (Charlotte Observer, November 4, 2022)
A new immunity-evading virus variant looms. Here’s how to fight it. Another covid wave is on the horizon because of a new immunity-evading subvariant, BQ.1, and its offshoots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, based in part on models, that BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 now account for nearly 17 percent of infections in the United States, up from zero a few weeks ago. The prevalent BA.5 variant is starting to fade. Especially at risk are the unvaccinated and those who have not gotten a shot of the new boosters. (Washington Post editorial, October 25, 2022)
The Lancet Covid-19 Commission slammed worldwide governing bodies for their response to the coronavirus pandemic in a 45-page editorial. My colleague Dan Diamond reports that the panel of experts “blamed the World Health Organization, the U.S. government and others for serious failures in coordinating an international response to covid-19.” (Washington Post, September 14, 2022)
The Lancet Commission on lessons for the future from the COVID-19 pandemic provides a comprehensive investigation, analysis, and response to COVID-19. The Commission delivers a number of recommendations that are divided into three main areas. First, practical steps to finally control and understand the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, realistic, feasible, and necessary investments to strengthen the first line of defence against emerging infectious agents in countries by strengthening health systems and widening universal health coverage. Third, ambitious proposals to ignite a renaissance in multilateralism, integrating the global response to the risk of future pandemics with actions to address the climate crisis and reversals in sustainable development. (Lancet, September 14, 2022)
The U.S. shouldn’t live with covid. It should get beyond the virus. (Washington Post editorial, September 10, 2022)