The pandemic is not over - COVID-19 exists and still kills

In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency. However, they do not believe that the pandemic has passed. And they reminded: in the European region alone, about two million died from COVID-19.

As of October 21, 2023, 5,557,995 people fell ill with coronavirus in Ukraine. Of these, 112,418 died, the publication notes.

Coronavirus season

Coronavirus is seasonal (and the season has already begun). The corresponding suspicions appeared at the beginning of the pandemic, but now they have only been confirmed. As the head of the National Technical Group of Experts on Immunoprophylaxis, Fyodor Lapiy, explains, the seasonality corridor for coronavirus is wider than, for example, influenza.

“The first rise of the disease is observed in the fall, the second - at the end of winter - at the beginning of spring. Here I would like to draw parallels with the flu, but there are also differences. Coronavirus has two clearly visible waves; influenza usually has one per season, although there are exceptions.

It is also more clearly associated with the cold months than Covid: we see a jump in coronavirus illness already in September, despite the fact that it was unusually warm. This can be explained by the fact that humanity has been sick with coronavirus not so long ago; it has more opportunities to adapt and spread. There is more cross-protection against influenza; its mutations are not so strong,” argues Lapiy.

Mutations continue

The coronavirus continues to mutate. As expected. In August 2023, scientists announced a new variant of coronavirus – Pirola.

According to Fyodor Lapiy, he has more than 30 mutations in the adhesion protein. Let us remember that the vaccine is aimed at developing immunity to the adhesion protein, because thanks to this protein the virus attaches to the cell. Not surprisingly, the spread of this variant has doctors and scientists extremely concerned.

“However, the fear turned out to be exaggerated. The antibodies that the vaccine helps produce neutralize the virus,” the doctor adds.

However, what the next mutations will be and whether we will have enough protection against them is still impossible to predict.

The vaccine works

On September 4, 2023, there was a meeting of the National Technical Group on immunoprophylaxis, says Fedor Lapiy. We reviewed recommendations for vaccinations against Covid until the end of 2023 and with a view to 2024.

“We took WHO recommendations as a basis and adapted them to our risks and realities. The society was divided into three groups according to priority:

The first group: those who have a high risk of severely contracting coronavirus disease and dying, and are also extremely vulnerable due to their profession. These are people aged 60+, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women and medical workers.

Second group: people aged 18-59 years without concomitant diseases.

Third group: children under 18 years of age without concomitant pathologies.

The second and first groups for full protection must have a primary course of vaccination (the first two doses for the Pfizer/CoronaVac vaccines) and the first booster. For people with immunosuppression, an additional dose in the primary vaccination and a booster are recommended - that is, four for full protection. The first group needs to receive another booster, that is, an additional dose of the vaccine.”

Recommendations may change depending on the epidemiological situation, the specialist clarifies.

Don't throw away your masks

It is difficult to say whether the mask regime will be introduced on the same scale as in 2020-2021. Much will depend on the morbidity situation. However, it’s worth thinking about masks now if you have symptoms of a respiratory disease or are caring for a patient.

“Also, cancer patients, elderly people, and pregnant women have not gone away - they are vulnerable to the severe course of coronavirus disease. Or the flu. Therefore, they still need protection,” the doctor reminds.

The following vaccines are currently available in Ukraine:

• Pfizer;
• CoronaVac;
• Janssen (residual doses).

To get vaccinated, you should make an appointment with your family doctor. For people who have mobility problems, mobile teams are available; you can arrange for them at the outpatient clinic, where the declaration is signed.