The latest WHO intervention comes as a number of countries have begun, or are considering, to launch new programs. Israel fired three shots last month, and France, Germany and the UAE have all announced plans to launch a promotional program. Some, such as the UK and US, are still thinking. The U.S. has purchased additional Pfizer vaccines in preparation, but has not made any decision to launch them.
The science of whether additional ingredients are necessary is unknown. “The evidence is changing, it’s moving,” Kate O’Brien, WHO’s chief vaccine officer, told reporters at the conference. “We do not have full evidence as to whether this is necessary or not.”
Pfizer released the data last month indicating that the third shot provides additional protection against delta change. But existing vaccines have been shown to provide better protection against all major complications.
However, the WHO wants to reconsider its global reach of vaccines before receiving them. The council expects 40% to be vaccinated by the end of the year, and 70% by 2022.
“We want a rapid transition, from mass vaccination to high-income countries, to high-income countries,” said Tedros, who urges vaccine manufacturers to invest in Covax, a scheme that has developed a vaccine for developing countries. Last week, he said, the conspiracy required major injections of money to achieve its goals.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki also called the intervention of the WHO a “false election”. sell AP that the US will have enough vaccines to supply to poor countries and to be able to produce more if needed.
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