Filenews 1 January 2022
Patients affected by the Omikron variant are less likely to be hospitalized or ICU at a rate of 50-70% and 31-45%, respectively, compared to the Delta variant, according to preliminary findings from an analysis by the UK Health Organization.
The Agency's experts point out that these results are not definitive, as few cases infected by the new variant require hospitalization, it is impossible to count all previous infections by the virus, while at the same time Omikron has limited transmission in the older age groups.
They also add that despite the low need for hospitalization with the Omikron variant, the actual number of patients who may become seriously ill and require hospital care can be huge, due to the increased transmissibility of the new variant.
The Organization's chief executive, Jenny Harris, made statements to this, urging the population to be vaccinated with the third dose as well, in an effort to stem the transmission of the infection.
As of December 20, 132 people with confirmed Omikron had needed hospitalization, with at least 40% of admissions being made to London. Of these patients, 17 had received three doses of vaccine, 74 had received two doses, 8 had received a single dose and 27 had not been vaccinated. Within 28 days of Omikron's diagnosis, there were 14 deaths, aged between 52 and 96.
The analysis also found Omikron's greater potential to re-infect people who had previously contracted another variant of the coronavirus, as 9.5% of people infected with Omikron already had a history of COVID infection previously. However, the agency's experts point out that this percentage may be underestimated, because there is always the case of asymptomatic infection which has not been recorded.
Vaccine effectiveness
Regarding the effectiveness of vaccines, the report observed that it is reduced against symptomatic disease with Omikron. He notes that although the two doses are less effective against Omikron against Delta, the booster, third dose, improves protection. But this additional protection is quickly lost, decreasing by 15-25% after the 10 weeks have passed since the booster dose is performed.
Thus, experts believe that it is still too early to assess the effectiveness of the vaccine against hospital admissions, but estimate that the reduced chances of hospitalization are most likely to be maintained, especially after the booster dose.
The Agency's findings are consistent with three recent studies by researchers in England, Scotland and South Africa, which conclude that Omikron has a lower risk of hospitalization than delta.
