Chair of UK Vaccine Committee: "The World Cannot Get Vaccinated Every 6 Months"

"Warning of the 'Blind 4th Dose Vaccination Risk'"
"The Worst Is Over, Just Need to Get Through Winter Safely"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The chairman of the UK Vaccine Committee has warned that European health authorities, including the UK and Germany, which are reviewing the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine following Israel, should not blindly push forward with the fourth vaccination. He argued that more data is needed along with a review of the necessity and safety of the fourth dose. This is expected to further fuel the global debate over the need for the fourth vaccination.

On the 4th (local time), Andrew Pollard, chairman of the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said in an interview with The Telegraph, "We cannot vaccinate the entire world every 4 to 6 months," adding, "This is neither sustainable nor affordable." He also pointed out, "More data is needed to assess how frequently additional doses are required for vulnerable groups."

Chairman Pollard explained, "While some developed countries have started the fourth dose, in low-income countries, the first dose vaccination rate is still below 10%. Blindly administering the fourth dose without reviewing safety and necessity is unnecessary and risky," adding, "The worst situation appears to be over, and if we get through this winter well, the fourth dose will not be needed."

These remarks are expected to further spread the controversy surrounding the fourth dose worldwide. Following Israel, which recently became the first country to implement the fourth dose, European countries such as Germany and the UK are also reportedly considering the fourth vaccination.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 situation in Europe is hitting record highs daily due to the spread of the Omicron variant. The day before, the UK recorded 218,724 new COVID-19 cases, surpassing 200,000 for the first time. France is reported to be approaching 300,000 cases, and Italy also exceeded 170,000, setting a new record.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.