WHO calls for moratorium on Covid vaccine boosters at least through September
Last edited Thu Aug 5, 2021, 10:23 AM - Edit history (1)
Source: CNBC
The World Health Organization on Wednesday called for a moratorium on Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, citing vaccine inequity around the world. The agency said the moratorium should last at least two months, to give the world a chance to meet the director generals goal of vaccinating 10% of the population of every country by the end of September.
We need an urgent reversal from the majority of vaccines going to high income countries, to the majority going to low income countries, said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The moratorium is part of the Ghebreyesus plan to vaccinate 40% of the world by December, according to his senior advisor, Dr. Bruce Aylward.
The big picture here is as a policy not to be moving forward with boosters until we get the whole world at a point where the older populations, people with comorbidities, people who are working at the frontlines, are all protected to the degree possible with vaccines, Aylward said. The duration of the moratorium could be extended if vaccine rates in countries with low vaccination rates do not increase.
Right now, if you look at how vaccines are being used globally, the uptake rate by high income countries, upper middle income countries, is absorbing too much of the global supply for the lowest income countries, Aylward said.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/04/who-calls-for-moratorium-on-covid-vaccine-boosters-at-least-through-september.html
What I fear here is that just like the loons here in the U.S., you have loon heads of state who would either refuse, thwart, or knee-cap efforts for their nations to be vaccinated period.
And as it is, I don't think any boosters are even approved anywhere yet (at least not here in the U.S.).
AS A FURTHER NOTE AND UPDATE, I posted this below - https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=2780565
From here (issued Tuesday) - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/03/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-major-milestone-in-administrations-global-vaccination-efforts-more-than-100-million-u-s-covid-19-vaccine-doses-donated-and-shipped-abroad/
August 03, 2021
Statements and Releases
Building off of last weeks announcement of additional actions that we are taking to stop the spread of the Delta variant and get more people vaccinated in the United States, President Biden will give an update on another critical piece of his strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic: stopping the spread of the virus abroad. As one part of our strategy to do that, the President has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world and is acting with the same urgency to combat the virus abroad as here at home. Today, the President will announce that the U.S. has now donated and shipped more than 110 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccines to more than 60 countries a major milestone that cements the United States as the global leader in COVID-19 vaccine donations. According to the United Nations, this is more than the donations of all other countries combined and reflects the generosity of the American spirit.
In June, the President committed to donate at least 80 million vaccines from the U.S. supply to countries throughout the world, and he promised to continue to share as we are able. Todays announcement is a fulfillment of his promise and a significant down payment on hundreds of millions of more doses that the U.S. will deliver in the coming weeks. The United States has been able to share these doses because of the aggressive action the President took when he came into office to secure enough vaccines for all Americans. The majority of these vaccines made in the United States were shipped through COVAX. The United States has also worked in close partnership with key regional partners, including the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
These more than 110 million doses that are already saving lives around the world are just the beginning of the Administrations efforts to provide vaccines to the world. Starting at the end of this month, the Administration will begin shipping a half a billion Pfizer doses that the United States has pledged to purchase and donate to 100 low- income countries in need.
Biden Administrations Approach to Sharing U.S. Vaccines: Our goals are to increase global COVID-19 vaccination coverage, prepare for surges and prioritize healthcare workers and other vulnerable populations based on public health data and acknowledged best practice, and help our neighbors and other countries in need. Importantly, the United States has not and will not use its vaccines to secure favors from other countries. Our aim is to save lives.
The Administration looks at a variety of factors, including COVID-19 case rates, death rates, and hospitalizations; current vaccination rates; responses to surges; and a countrys ability to receive vaccines and put shots into arms.
We will continue to work with COVAX, regional partners such as the African Union and CARICOM, and other partners to ensure these vaccines are delivered in a way that is equitable and follows the science and public health data. This is a unique moment in history, and it requires American leadership, science and ingenuity, perseverance, and we are demonstrating that we can deliver results for people around the world.
To date, the U.S. has donated COVID-19 vaccines as follows:
Afghanistan 3,300,000 | Malaysia 1,000,000
Argentina 3,500,000 | Mali 151,000
Bangladesh 5,500,000 | Mauritania 302,000
Benin 302,000 | Mexico 4,049,000
Bhutan 500,000 | Moldova 301,000
Bolivia 1,008,000 | Morocco 302,000
Brazil 3,000,000 | Mozambique 302,000
Burkina Faso 302,000 | Nepal 1,534,000
Cambodia 1,058,000 | Niger 316,000
Cameroon 303,000 | Nigeria 4,000,000
Canada 2,500,000 | Pakistan 5,500,000
CAR 302,000 | Panama 503,000
Colombia 6,000,000 | Paraguay 2,000,000
Costa Rica 500,000 | Peru 2,000,000
Djibouti 151,000 | Philippines 6,239,000
Ecuador 2,000,000 | PNG 302,000
El Salvador 3,000,000 | ROK 1,012,000
Eswatini 302,000 | Senegal 302,000
Ethiopia 1,664,000 | Somalia 302,000
Fiji 150,000 | South Africa 5,660,000
Gambia 302,000 | Sri Lanka 1,500,000
Georgia 503,000 | Sudan 604,000
Guatemala 4,500,000 | Taiwan 2,500,000
Guinea Bissau 302,000 | Tajikistan 1,500,000
Haiti 500,000 | Tanzania 1,058,000
Honduras 3,000,000 | Thailand 1,500,000
Indonesia 8,000,000 | Tunisia 1,000,000
Jordan 503,000 | Ukraine 2,000,000
Laos 1,000,000 | Uruguay 500,000
Lesotho 302,000 | Uzbekistan 3,000,000
Liberia 302,000 | Vietnam 5,000,000
Madagascar 302,000 | Zambia 302,000
Malawi 302,000 | Total 111,701,000
###
US Has Shipped 110 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to 65 Countries
By Steve Herman
August 03, 2021 09:57 PM
WHITE HOUSE - Calling it a major milestone, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the country has shipped more than 110 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to 65 nations that are among the hardest hit in the world.
"This is more than the donations of all 24 countries that donate any vaccine to other countries, including China and Russia," Biden said during remarks in the White House East Room. The president emphasized that Washington is making no demands for its donations of doses. "And there's no favoritism and no strings attached. We're doing this to save lives to end this pandemic," Biden said.
In response to a question from VOA on whether other high-income countries should follow the lead of the United States, the president replied: "I think those countries that have been able to cover their population and have the ability to provide either dollars and/or vaccines for the 100 or so net-poor nations that need help should do so."
Biden added that some Group of 7 countries, which made such pledges at their recent summit in England, have followed through. "We've kept the commitment that we would do what we said, which is more than all the rest of the countries combined this far," the president noted.
https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/us-has-shipped-110-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-65-countries
And I expect WHO's "moratorium" statement was was directed to Germany (who has the largest population in Europe, where Germany's BioNTech partners with Pfizer for that vaccine), Israel (which has an AstraZeneca plant), and Britain (partner for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine).
Igel
(35,197 posts)On the other hand, this makes sense. The production facilities and supplies needed for making the booster shots would be the same facilities needed for making the billions of first and second doses needed elsewhere.
And while there may be heads of state that don't do much to promote vaccinations, it's not like we've hit that wall yet (as a population).
geardaddy
(24,924 posts)I also read that there was a study in France involving giving boosters to people on immunosuppressants.
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)Immunosuppressants could get the vaccine, or booster.
geardaddy
(24,924 posts)and are encouraged to do so. I had my two shots in the spring. I'm now getting my booster next week.
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)I got my 2nd Moderna dose in mid-March. So, I am eligible in Mid-November according to the recommendation of waiting 8 months.
Hope your booster is uneventful as far as symptoms!
geardaddy
(24,924 posts)and only a sore arm!
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)brooklynite
(93,873 posts)Its not always practical to move all surplus production to markets with a dearth of supply.
WHITT
(2,868 posts)Their health dept is greenlighting Pfizer or Moderna doses (which they are refraining from calling booster shots), for people who previously only got the one-dose J&J shot, as it's declining effectiveness has been dropping from a lower initial base level.
"Johnson & Johnson said in early July that data shows its vaccine provides immunity that lasts at least eight months, and it appears to provide adequate protection against the worrying Delta variant.
"A test-tube study later that month, which has not been peer reviewed, suggested that people who got the single-dose vaccine might benefit from a booster dose. The study found that being fully vaccinated with one of the mRNA vaccines provides people with a strong and broad response.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/03/health/san-francisco-supplemental-jj-covid-vaccine-booster/index.html
LisaL
(44,962 posts)While Pfizer and Moderna showed 94-95% efficacy, J&J showed 67%.
And that was before delta. There is no reason to believe J&J will be more efficient against delta than in clinical trials.
BradBo
(516 posts)But I can wait if it means making sure the less fortunate get the vaccine first.
But it really is something to look forward to.
I had two friends whom are MAGAs get COVID.
Their so freaking dumb. Their extended family had a big party their pretty much all stupid MAGAs. They shared the COVID amongst themselves.
Their so dumb that they dont understand you dont want that virus to get a hold in your .
Steelrolled
(2,022 posts)Tarc
(10,472 posts)BumRushDaShow
(127,315 posts)EarlG did finally catch that in today's "Good Day DU" post - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181540735
Tarc
(10,472 posts)I honestly had no idea they did that.
BumRushDaShow
(127,315 posts)as a return to what they used to do back in the day. I'm not much of a Lounge Lizard but did see a mention of his doing that (it's an automated thing), which is pretty cool.
Renew Deal
(81,802 posts)And life is not fair.
EndlessWire
(6,377 posts)He wants a moratorium for two months until he gets 40% of the world vaccinated? I am in favor of vaccinating every human on the planet. But, if it turns out that boosters are needed to keep people safe, then let's get that done. Push forward with the "vaccinate everyone plan," and let WHO set up the administration plans, if they can. This is like ripples in a pond. No one will be on the same ripple line, anyway. It isn't possible. And Covid will mutate again.
JCMach1
(27,544 posts)So basically, he is playing politics.
Boosters will basically be Covid vaccine 2.0.
It's not an either/or equation. And frankly, everyone will need the newer version.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,154 posts)Yes, it is an either/or equation; the production of vaccines is not unlimited.
LisaL
(44,962 posts)By the way we made no plans for boosters, so seems unlikely we could possibly start getting them before September anyway.
Which in my opinion is stupid.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,154 posts)For example,
https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/coronavirus-data-explorer?zoomToSelection=true&time=2020-03-01..latest&pickerSort=desc&pickerMetric=new_cases_smoothed_per_million&Metric=Confirmed+cases&Interval=7-day+rolling+average&Relative+to+Population=true&Align+outbreaks=false&country=USA~GBR~FRA~BWA~CUB~MYS~IRN
https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/coronavirus-data-explorer?zoomToSelection=true&time=2020-03-01..latest&pickerSort=desc&pickerMetric=new_deaths_smoothed_per_million&Metric=Confirmed+deaths&Interval=7-day+rolling+average&Relative+to+Population=true&Align+outbreaks=false&country=USA~CUB~MYS~IRN~TUN~ECU~ZAF~IDN~ARG~MEX
muriel_volestrangler
(101,154 posts)so, yes, it will help the world, and his goal.
"Life is not fair" is no reason to never try to make it fairer. We all know that here. "And life is not fair" is not a valid argument.
LisaL
(44,962 posts)because their Pfizer wore off?
muriel_volestrangler
(101,154 posts)You're also guessing that the Pfizer vaccine will "wear off"; it's a known fact that the first 2 doses have an excellent protective effect. Five birds in the hand are worth more than a bird in the bush.
Demsrule86
(68,352 posts)We can help. But should not skip boosters for our citizens.
OneCrazyDiamond
(2,029 posts)This is about equity. We could be 100% vaccinated and a less privileged country could breed a super variant that ruins us all.
At this point if the unvaccinated wanted it, they would have had it or can't have it. Let it go where it can help contain this crap.
LisaL
(44,962 posts)Some of those are vaxxed. Since immunity wanes, booster is needed.
OneCrazyDiamond
(2,029 posts)Without constant testing it is all guess (there have even been questions on testing efficacy). Assuming we do in fact have the highest daily infections, most of our adults have had at least 1 shot, and thus are extremely unlikely to be hospitalized or die. They can carry a large viral load, and not even know. Compare that to Vietnam where 1% is vaccinated. We should be shoring up the most vulnerable populations before using up the limited global supply.
As I recall the delta variant was first found in India when vaccinations were extremely low, still are really. Where will the next super variant come from? Will our 4th booster be effective before they can even get 1?
I will happily delay my 3rd shot so someone else can get their first now.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,154 posts)...
In France, those who were the first to receive the vaccine residents of nursing homes, those over the age of 75 and people with severe health conditions will be eligible for boosters in September, President Emmanuel Macron said last month.
In Britain, officials at the Department of Health and Social Care said they are preparing to offer booster shots in September but are awaiting guidance and confirmation from the countrys expert advisory panel. The booster program would ensure millions of people maintain protection ahead of the winter and against new variants, a spokesperson said.
Hungary which has authorized a wider range of coronavirus vaccines than its neighbors, including formulations from Russia and China is offering booster shots to everyone, regardless of age or health status, recommending people wait at least four months after their second dose.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/covid-booster-vaccines-europe/2021/08/03/dddf18f4-f45d-11eb-a636-18cac59a98dc_story.html
Spain and Italy are talking about it, too.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)An American presidents first job is to protect Americans. Same as Germanys, Frances and every other.
orangecrush
(19,237 posts)A country takes care of it's own citizens first, especially in life or death situations.
If we don't take care of ourselves, we will be in no position to help others, which I am all for.
Demsrule86
(68,352 posts)BumRushDaShow
(127,315 posts)From here (issued Tuesday) - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/03/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-major-milestone-in-administrations-global-vaccination-efforts-more-than-100-million-u-s-covid-19-vaccine-doses-donated-and-shipped-abroad/
August 03, 2021
Statements and Releases
Building off of last weeks announcement of additional actions that we are taking to stop the spread of the Delta variant and get more people vaccinated in the United States, President Biden will give an update on another critical piece of his strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic: stopping the spread of the virus abroad. As one part of our strategy to do that, the President has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world and is acting with the same urgency to combat the virus abroad as here at home. Today, the President will announce that the U.S. has now donated and shipped more than 110 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccines to more than 60 countries a major milestone that cements the United States as the global leader in COVID-19 vaccine donations. According to the United Nations, this is more than the donations of all other countries combined and reflects the generosity of the American spirit.
In June, the President committed to donate at least 80 million vaccines from the U.S. supply to countries throughout the world, and he promised to continue to share as we are able. Todays announcement is a fulfillment of his promise and a significant down payment on hundreds of millions of more doses that the U.S. will deliver in the coming weeks. The United States has been able to share these doses because of the aggressive action the President took when he came into office to secure enough vaccines for all Americans. The majority of these vaccines made in the United States were shipped through COVAX. The United States has also worked in close partnership with key regional partners, including the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
These more than 110 million doses that are already saving lives around the world are just the beginning of the Administrations efforts to provide vaccines to the world. Starting at the end of this month, the Administration will begin shipping a half a billion Pfizer doses that the United States has pledged to purchase and donate to 100 low- income countries in need.
Biden Administrations Approach to Sharing U.S. Vaccines: Our goals are to increase global COVID-19 vaccination coverage, prepare for surges and prioritize healthcare workers and other vulnerable populations based on public health data and acknowledged best practice, and help our neighbors and other countries in need. Importantly, the United States has not and will not use its vaccines to secure favors from other countries. Our aim is to save lives.
The Administration looks at a variety of factors, including COVID-19 case rates, death rates, and hospitalizations; current vaccination rates; responses to surges; and a countrys ability to receive vaccines and put shots into arms.
We will continue to work with COVAX, regional partners such as the African Union and CARICOM, and other partners to ensure these vaccines are delivered in a way that is equitable and follows the science and public health data. This is a unique moment in history, and it requires American leadership, science and ingenuity, perseverance, and we are demonstrating that we can deliver results for people around the world.
To date, the U.S. has donated COVID-19 vaccines as follows:
Afghanistan 3,300,000 | Malaysia 1,000,000
Argentina 3,500,000 | Mali 151,000
Bangladesh 5,500,000 | Mauritania 302,000
Benin 302,000 | Mexico 4,049,000
Bhutan 500,000 | Moldova 301,000
Bolivia 1,008,000 | Morocco 302,000
Brazil 3,000,000 | Mozambique 302,000
Burkina Faso 302,000 | Nepal 1,534,000
Cambodia 1,058,000 | Niger 316,000
Cameroon 303,000 | Nigeria 4,000,000
Canada 2,500,000 | Pakistan 5,500,000
CAR 302,000 | Panama 503,000
Colombia 6,000,000 | Paraguay 2,000,000
Costa Rica 500,000 | Peru 2,000,000
Djibouti 151,000 | Philippines 6,239,000
Ecuador 2,000,000 | PNG 302,000
El Salvador 3,000,000 | ROK 1,012,000
Eswatini 302,000 | Senegal 302,000
Ethiopia 1,664,000 | Somalia 302,000
Fiji 150,000 | South Africa 5,660,000
Gambia 302,000 | Sri Lanka 1,500,000
Georgia 503,000 | Sudan 604,000
Guatemala 4,500,000 | Taiwan 2,500,000
Guinea Bissau 302,000 | Tajikistan 1,500,000
Haiti 500,000 | Tanzania 1,058,000
Honduras 3,000,000 | Thailand 1,500,000
Indonesia 8,000,000 | Tunisia 1,000,000
Jordan 503,000 | Ukraine 2,000,000
Laos 1,000,000 | Uruguay 500,000
Lesotho 302,000 | Uzbekistan 3,000,000
Liberia 302,000 | Vietnam 5,000,000
Madagascar 302,000 | Zambia 302,000
Malawi 302,000 | Total 111,701,000
###
US Has Shipped 110 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to 65 Countries
By Steve Herman
August 03, 2021 09:57 PM
WHITE HOUSE - Calling it a major milestone, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the country has shipped more than 110 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to 65 nations that are among the hardest hit in the world.
"This is more than the donations of all 24 countries that donate any vaccine to other countries, including China and Russia," Biden said during remarks in the White House East Room. The president emphasized that Washington is making no demands for its donations of doses. "And there's no favoritism and no strings attached. We're doing this to save lives to end this pandemic," Biden said.
In response to a question from VOA on whether other high-income countries should follow the lead of the United States, the president replied: "I think those countries that have been able to cover their population and have the ability to provide either dollars and/or vaccines for the 100 or so net-poor nations that need help should do so."
Biden added that some Group of 7 countries, which made such pledges at their recent summit in England, have followed through. "We've kept the commitment that we would do what we said, which is more than all the rest of the countries combined this far," the president noted.
https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/us-has-shipped-110-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-65-countries
So I am thinking that what WHO said was directed specifically to Germany, Israel, and Britain.
orangecrush
(19,237 posts)This clarifies things.
BumRushDaShow
(127,315 posts)I knew shipments were being planned and that latest WH announcement has the details of how much and to where!
orangecrush
(19,237 posts)Steelrolled
(2,022 posts)who like to think of themselves as so concerned about all the people of the world, behaved when they had something real at risk. It was a good refresher lesson in human behavior. Sorry, but we just want to stay alive.
roamer65
(36,739 posts)BlueIdaho
(13,582 posts)And the general disinterest in creating barriers for those requesting shots tells me the WHO will not have an impact on American vaccine administration.
BumRushDaShow
(127,315 posts)they have them at my local supermarkets too (those that have a pharmacy inside) and have signs by the entrances that normally hawked availability of the flu shot and now advertise the COVID-19 vaccines.
BlueIdaho
(13,582 posts)I didnt want to belabor the point but we also have huge signs on our supermarkets too. Thanks for pointing that out.
totodeinhere
(13,037 posts)and we have. And at the same time we can fully vaccinate our population including giving out third booster shots when necessary.