Speaker:
Raina MacIntyre
COVID-19 eradication is unlikely. During the pandemic, as vaccination programs began nearly everywhere, herd immunity was suggested as the outcome to control SARS CoV-2 replication and dissemination. However today, as we are facing waning vaccine efficacy, new variants of the virus with different pathogenic patterns, scientists and public health authorities are suggesting the pandemic is over and that we are in an endemic phase. Raina MacIntyre explains why this is not so, and that SARS-CoV-2 will continue to cause epidemics and likely a substantial burden of chronic disease. Better control will improve these outcomes.
To achieve this, a vaccine-PLUS strategy is needed, with layered protections including testing, tracing, safe indoor air and masks. Vaccine equity globally must also be addressed.