Mitigating Covid-19 in the face of emerging virus variants, breakthrough infections and vaccine hesitancy

Abstract

The emergence and rapid global spread of the new Delta and, more recently, Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 pose a daunting public health emergency. Being an RNA virus, the Covid-19 virus is continuing to mutate, resulting in the emergence of new variants with high transmissibility, such as the recently discovered Omicron variant. In this paper, we consider the conditions that may facilitate viral mutations and the emergence of variants with the ability to evade immunity. Here, we have discussed the importance of vaccination with the currently available vaccines. These vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19. However, the antibody response induced by these vaccines is short-lasting and there are reports of breakthrough infections. A stable and persistent interaction between T follicular helper cells and germinal center B cells is needed for robust B cell memory response. We discussed the potential reasons behind the breakthrough infections and underscored the importance of developing better second-generation vaccines that may not necessitate frequent booster immunizations and are preventive in nature. This may involve the development of multivalent vaccines and creating vaccines against other viral proteins including conserved proteins. Vaccine hesitancy remains a notable hurdle for implementing vaccination. Furthermore, we recommend different approaches to increase vaccine acceptance, which is a critical translational component of a successful vaccine strategy. These perspectives on overcoming the pandemic's current challenges provide strategies to contain SARS-CoV-2 globally.

Parents’ and Guardians’ Willingness to Vaccinate Their Children against COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…To critically appraise the methodological quality of included studies, an appraisal scale suggested by Iain Crombie was applied [15]. The scale contains the following seven indexes: (1) design is scientific; (2) data collection strategy is reasonable; (3) samples can represent the general population well; (4) sample response rate is reported; (5) the power of the test is reported; (6) the research purpose and method are reasonable; (7) the statistical method is reasonable. For every index, studies score 1 for "yes", 0 for "no", and 0.5 for "unclear", respectively.…”

“…According to statistical models, 60-72% of people need to be vaccinated to reach the threshold of herd immunity, in the case of vaccines that are 80% effective [6]. Considering the emergence of some new variants with high transmissibility, such as the recently discovered Omicron variant, a higher vaccination uptake may be needed [7].…”

Turning point: A new global COVID‐19 wave or a signal of the beginning of the end of the global COVID‐19 pandemic?

“…Existing COVID-19 prevention measures have proved equally effective for Omicron and should continue to be recommended. 46 However, existing vaccines are less effective against Omicron's neutralizing antibodies, and it is necessary to further investigate the targeting of conserved immunogenic vaccines, or vaccines with other variants of proteins, which can protect Omicron against current and future growth. The creation of preventative, multivalent, or protein-based vaccines may confer better protection.…”

“…The creation of preventative, multivalent, or protein-based vaccines may confer better protection. [36][37][38]46 However, preparation of a specific Omicron vaccine is still on schedule and is expected to take at least 3 months (from November 25, 2021). 37 Additionally, a new F I G U R E 3 Neutralization of some existing vaccines and boosters against Omicron variants [37][38][39] universal coronavirus vaccine and booster needle tailored for Omicron are in development.…”

“…F I G U R E 4 Strategies to mitigate COVID-19 now and in the future [36][37][38][44][45][46][47][48]…”