Filenews 17 August 2022
In September, the approval of a twin-channel vaccine is expected in Europe, which will cover the original strain of coronavirus and the strain of "Omicron", says Associate Professor of Pharmacology and member of the National Vaccination Advisory Committee, Dr. Christos Petrou, who states that it is possible to make it available for administration in the last quarter of 2022.
Dr.. Petrou says that the need and the optimal time, for further additional booster doses in autumn and winter with the adapted vaccine, may vary from country to country, especially depending on the time of the second booster doses in spring and summer 2022, as well as the elements of continued protection against severe disease.
Professor Petrou also notes that future vaccination strategies may vary depending on the availability of the updated vaccines and their characteristics, adding that countries may need to use different types of vaccines, for different strategies and population groups, depending on the characteristics of the updated vaccines compared to those of the first generation and of course depending on the emergence of new variants.
He also emphasizes that it is extremely important to administer the 4th dose to people over 60 and the vulnerable, as determined, while emphasizing that "they should not be complacent in anticipation of the new vaccines, whenever they become available".
Referring to the twin vaccine, which was manufactured by Moderna as a booster dose for adults and has already been approved in the UK, Mr Petrou said that this vaccine covers the original strain of the virus and the strain of "Omicron", while it seems to have satisfactory protection in "Omicron 4" and "Omicron 5".
Asked about the approval of such a vaccine in Europe next month, Dr. Petrou says it is possible that they may be available at some point in the last quarter of 2022, adding, however, that there are no clear timelines.
In addition, he notes that developments are expected thereafter for a vaccine, which will be specifically adapted to "Omicron 4" and "Omicron 5".
The practice followed for the flu vaccine may also be applied against the coronavirus, says Dr. Peter
Asked to say if there is a chance that the coronavirus vaccine will become seasonal, like the flu's, Dr. Petrou estimates that "it is possible for the practice followed for the flu vaccine to be applied against the coronavirus", explaining that there may be a platform of a twin or multipurpose vaccine and a change of strain to treat the prevailing strain.
"Of course," he notes, "the big goal is to develop vaccines that largely limit the spread and transmission of the virus."
According to Dr. Petrou "this can rather be done with intranasal administered vaccines", but the news from the studies is less encouraging.
