COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be instrumental in protecting vulnerable populations from severe outcomes, hospitalizations, and even death. A recent study from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, reveals the impact of COVID-19 vaccines across six middle-income countries: Albania, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. This research, conducted within the EuroSAVE (European Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Vaccine Effectiveness) network, sheds light on the crucial role of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing the strain on health systems and protecting high-risk individuals, even as the virus continues to circulate globally.
This timely study highlights the continued importance of vaccination as Omicron subvariants persist, causing infections and potential severe outcomes. Vulnerable populations—especially the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised individuals—remain at heightened risk. Vaccination provides a strong safeguard, preventing more than half of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and severe outcomes. But as winter approaches, WHO urges governments, health systems, and individuals to stay vigilant and prioritize vaccination to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, like influenza.
Key Findings: How COVID-19 Vaccines Reduce Severe Outcomes
Dr. Mark Katz, medical epidemiologist at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe and lead author of the study, emphasizes that vaccination can prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes, including ICU admissions and fatalities. Here’s a closer look at the study’s significant findings on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness:
- Vaccine Effectiveness in Middle-Income Countries: This is one of the first studies to analyze COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in middle-income countries. Data was gathered across a diverse population and showed that vaccinated individuals experienced far fewer severe outcomes than unvaccinated individuals.
- Prevention of Severe Cases: The study noted that vaccine effectiveness, particularly in preventing severe cases like hospitalization and death, remained robust for up to six months after the last dose. With fewer than 25% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients vaccinated in the past year, the findings highlight the importance of up-to-date vaccination to maintain protection.
- Health System Benefits: Vaccines have not only reduced individual risk but also alleviated pressure on health systems by preventing hospital admissions, reducing the need for ICU beds, and protecting healthcare workers from exposure.
Why Routine COVID-19 Vaccination Remains Essential
Since the onset of COVID-19, the virus has continued to mutate, creating variants like Omicron that can evade immunity more easily. As such, routine vaccination—similar to seasonal flu shots—is recommended to ensure that the immune system is primed against severe outcomes. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women, should particularly consider annual COVID-19 vaccination. WHO suggests that high-risk groups receive updated COVID-19 doses every six to twelve months.
Protecting Health Systems Amidst Ongoing Strains
Hospital resources, such as ICU beds, ventilators, and personnel, are limited, especially during flu season when respiratory illnesses surge. Widespread vaccination helps prevent overcrowding in healthcare facilities, allowing them to continue essential services for non-COVID emergencies, surgeries, and other critical treatments. By reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations, vaccines help protect healthcare workers from exposure, thus maintaining staffing levels and preventing disruptions.
Dr. Silvia Bino, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at the Institute of Public Health in Albania and a co-author of the study, pointed out that COVID-19 vaccines consistently reduced severe cases, ICU admissions, and deaths. However, the protective effects of vaccination decline over time, underscoring the need for booster doses to ensure sustained immunity, especially as winter approaches.
Key Points on Low Vaccine Uptake and Ongoing Risks
While vaccines are effective, the WHO study found that fewer than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations involved vaccinated individuals, and only a quarter of those hospitalized had received a dose within the past year. This low uptake, even when vaccines are readily available, indicates gaps in public awareness and vaccine accessibility. Many hospitalized patients were among the groups prioritized for vaccination, suggesting that additional efforts are needed to reach these high-risk populations.
Dr. Dinagul Otorbaeva, head of epidemiology at the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health, reiterated that timely vaccination remains the best defense against severe COVID-19 outcomes. “Over half of COVID-19 hospitalizations could be prevented with recent vaccination,” she stated, urging individuals to stay updated with vaccination schedules to reduce hospitalizations and associated risks.
The Benefits of Co-Vaccination: Influenza and COVID-19
During the colder months, respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and influenza, rise significantly. WHO recommends that those at high risk of severe COVID-19 also receive the flu vaccine, which can further reduce their risk of complications from either virus. As both viruses circulate simultaneously, the risk of co-infection is a concern for those with compromised immune systems.
Who Should Prioritize Vaccination?
- Older Adults: Individuals aged 65 and older are at higher risk of severe illness and should maintain up-to-date vaccination to avoid hospitalization.
- People with Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and other chronic health issues can make COVID-19 and influenza complications more severe, making vaccinations crucial for this group.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe infections. Both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are strongly recommended to bolster protection against respiratory illnesses.
- Pregnant Women: COVID-19 and influenza can be severe in pregnant women, impacting both maternal and fetal health. Consulting healthcare providers for booster vaccinations during pregnancy can provide necessary protection.
- Healthcare Workers: Those on the frontline are encouraged to receive regular vaccines, not only to protect themselves but also to safeguard patients and colleagues by minimizing virus transmission within healthcare settings.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Promoting Accessibility
Despite the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines, uptake remains suboptimal in many regions. This could stem from misinformation, limited accessibility, or lack of awareness about the risks COVID-19 still poses to health. WHO and healthcare organizations worldwide emphasize the need for transparent communication and proactive outreach to ensure that vulnerable groups understand the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations.
Governments and health organizations can work to increase access by offering vaccination at community health centers, mobile clinics, and through public awareness campaigns that reinforce the real benefits of vaccination. To reduce hesitancy, it’s essential that individuals receive reliable information on vaccine safety, benefits, and the positive impact on community health.
Vaccine Maintenance: A Key to Long-Term Health Resilience
As time passes, immunity from vaccines can wane, which may reduce the body’s ability to combat severe disease. This study and similar research worldwide support a growing consensus that regular vaccine updates can reduce the severity of outcomes not only from COVID-19 but from other respiratory infections. By maintaining up-to-date vaccination, communities are better prepared to handle surges in cases, especially in the high-risk winter months.