A higher vaccination rate could prevent between 21% and 32% of hospitalizations

In a joint press conference with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Director of the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Andrea Ammon, said that the European Center’s models show that “the vaccination campaign against Covid-19 in the fall, with a high rate of adherence to the vaccine and aims to enable individuals who… Are aged 60 years or over, prevent about 21% to 32% of all disease-related hospital admissions by February 2024,” in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

“Autumn and winter will come soon, as we expect a resurgence of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),” he said, also highlighting increases in Covid-19 transmission in the EU/EEA, which he expects “will trade together in the coming months.” .

In response to a question about the timing of vaccination campaigns, Andrea Ammon highlighted that it depends on the epidemiological situation of each country, noting that vaccines adapted to new strains of Covid-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus are already on the market and must be administered “as quickly as possible.” Possible. “As soon as possible.”

He said, “The optimal time is now. The vaccination period has begun, but campaigns in member states depend on the spread of viruses and the epidemiological situation.”

The ECDC chief also added that the center had “received virus surveillance data”, but called for increased testing, especially in the hospital setting.

Specifically with regard to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, the European Medicines Agency recommended the authorization of two vaccines adapted to the latest strains, from the Pfizer (Cominarte) and Moderna (Specivax) laboratories, and new medicines.