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WHO 'Concerned' Over South Africa's Halting of AstraZeneca Vaccine Due to Variants
Posted
February 8, 2021
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0:51Now PlayingThe head of the World Health Organization said on Monday the emergence of new COVID-19 variants had raised questions about whether or not existing vaccines will work, calling it "concerning news" that the vaccines developed so far may be less effective against the variant first detected in South Africa.
At a press briefing, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said South Africa's decision to suspend its vaccination campaign using the AstraZeneca vaccine is "a reminder that we need to do everything we can to reduce circulation of the virus with proven public health measures."
He said there were some important caveats in the study South Africa cited part of the rationale to delay COVID-19 immunization, noting the study's small sample size and the fact that it was done mostly in younger, healthier participants.
Tedros also called for manufacturers to be ready to quickly adapt their vaccines so that they would remain effective.
Salim Abdool Karim, co-chair of South Africa's COVID-19 ministerial advisory committee, said the country would use an "alternative approach" in its use of the AstraZeneca vaccines it received last week.
Karim said the shots would be used in 100,000 people who would be closely monitored to see if any required hospitalization.
Tedros also spoke about the recently detected new Ebola case in Congo promising vaccines and help for the region were already on their way.
The WHO expects possible further cases since the infected woman had contact with at least 70 people after showing symptoms.
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