Last minute: The Omicron variant causes a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases. In addition to the rate of spread, the number of worries increased with the news of the first death. After it was detected in Turkey, the risks that the Omicron variant might pose in the coming days began to be focused on. Experts, who think that the most important step against the new Covid-19 wave can be taken by accelerating vaccination studies, suggested that the vaccine algorithm be revised. Making a statement on the subject, Radiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Güner Sönmez stated that the first data came to light at the end of the 3-week process, which passed through the first detection of the Omicron variant, and said the following about the subject:
“According to the effect of Omicron Delta, it is predicted that oxygen support will be 25 times lower in hospital and intensive care hospitalizations and death rates. These rates are the data that emerged at the end of 3 weeks. While more than 16,000 people died in South Africa during the delta peak, the death toll due to Omicron is estimated to be 640. The calculated infection mortality rate of the delta variant was 0.5 percent, while that of Omicron was only 0.053, which was much lower. The mild disease course in the USA and Europe is pleasing compared to Delta. However, considering that South Africa’s average age is 27 and that 70 percent of the population is naturally immunized, we must underline that we should never be driven into complacency.”
“SERIOUS RISK FOR ISTANBUL”
Stating that the number of cases in England tripled in 3 days, Prof. Dr. Sönmez warned especially for Istanbul:
“Considering that Omicron is 6 times more contagious than the Delta variant, there is a serious risk especially for Istanbul. The density in public transportation and closed areas carries the risk of rapid transmission of the virus. Thanks to the vaccine, it was revealed that the neutralizing antibodies, which form the first line of defense against the virus, showed a great decrease against Omicron, while the T cells, which we call cellular immunity, did not decrease. However, after the third dose, it was determined that the neutralizing antibody level increased 25 times. The emergency vaccination action plan against Omicron should be activated and the 6-month time interval should be extended to 3 months to be completed. Sequencing and laboratory studies should be done to determine the percentage of protection in 3 doses of Sinovac. For these people, a 4th dose of mRNA vaccine may be required.”
“IT MAY NOT BE A COLD, IT MAY BE OMICRON”
Pointing out that there is a serious increase in viral infections throughout the country, according to the news of Milliyet, Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Duran Tok also made the following warnings:
“The main reason for the increase is the disregard for the mask and distance rule. We estimate that the number of people infected with the Omicron variant is much higher than the officially announced figure. People with mild flu-like symptoms such as itching in the throat, headache, runny nose are also more likely to be infected with Omicron. The 3rd dose vaccine interval should be extended from 6 months to 3 months. People with 2 doses of Sinovac must have their 3rd dose of vaccine without a second. If necessary, the application of the 4th dose of mRNA reminder dose should be implemented.”
“EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN MUST BE TAKEN”
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Bengi Başer also said that the 6-month time interval determined for the 3rd dose vaccines should be extended to 3 months and added:
“The picture that emerged in England should be a lesson to us. Those who take a single or double dose of Sinovac without wasting time should have their 3rd dose of vaccine. These people need to have the mRNA vaccine. We have to start the vaccine mobilization in the whole society by putting the vaccine emergency action plan into practice.”