[Jeonseungmin's Science World] The 7th COVID-19 Wave... Which Vaccine Should You Take?

[Asia Economy] As the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) shows a rebound, there is an analysis that the 7th major wave has already begun.

Recently, domestic researchers have presented research results that help alleviate doubts about whether vaccines are effective against new variants. On the 19th, researchers at the Korea Virus Institute announced the results of a comparative analysis of various infectious agents and vaccine effectiveness. After compiling the data and conducting additional investigations, it appears that most of the vaccines used so far have little effect on variants after Omicron. According to the researchers, most breakthrough infections are caused by Omicron variants. The currently circulating COVID-19 is almost 100% a subvariant of Omicron.

So, which vaccine should be chosen? There are only two vaccines that currently hold significance: the new ‘bivalent vaccines’ developed and supplied by Pfizer or Moderna. Receiving additional doses of vaccines other than these does not seem very wise.

Viruses also have individual differences. People infected with highly lethal strains would have either died or been strictly isolated and treated. Eventually, only weaker viruses remain in the world. COVID-19 is no exception. The current Omicron variant has a much lower fatality rate compared to the original strain (Wuhan strain), to the extent that it can be considered a completely different type. The reason most pandemics struggle to last beyond 2 to 3 years is because of this.

Viruses have their own survival strategies. In any case, we are destined to live in a game of tag between humans and viruses. What we citizens can do is simply trust scientific research results and make the best choices individually.

Jeon Seung-min, Science and Technology Specialist Writer

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