On this basis, WHO´s Technical Director Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove urged to reinforce Covid-19 vaccination ahead of new variants since there is still a large gap in the booster coverage.

Van Kerkhove pointed out that despite not having data from all countries, the primary series coverage worldwide is around 82% in older age groups, while regarding the booster dose the figure is around 58%.

Records in other WHO regions are: Africa (8%), Eastern Mediterranean (27%), Southeast Asia (30%), Americas (67%), Europe (68%) and Western Pacific (75%). It shows a large gap in terms of immunization, and in terms of critical age groups that need to get vaccinated.

Referring to current Covid-19 behavior, Dr. Kerkhove stated some countries are actually reporting increases in cases and, in some countries in the Americas and Europe there is an increased hospitalization toll at ICUs.

In this regard, Dr. Kerkhove insisted that it is not necessary to wait to get vaccinated, especially if one belongs to a risk group, because it is vital to save people’s lives.

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