Recently, Dr. Angela Pratt - Chief Representative of the World Health Organization in Vietnam shared WHO's assessment of the Omicron XBB sub-variant, as well as recommendations to strengthen COVID-19 prevention for Vietnam.
According to Dr. Angela Pratt, the emergence of the XBB variant shows that unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, although we all wish it was! Wherever COVID-19 is circulating, there is a risk of increased cases and the emergence of dangerous new variants.
Dr. Angela Pratt – Chief Representative of World Health Organization Vietnam.
As of June 2022, Omicron is the only variant of concern circulating globally, however, from the Omicron variant, we have seen the emergence of several sub-variants, including XBB - a recombinant variant - which is a combination of two other sub-variants of Omicron.
The XBB variant and its sub-variants have been detected in more than 10 countries in the Western Pacific region, including Vietnam, and will continue to spread in the coming time.
Based on what we know now, the XBB variant and its sub-variants are more transmissible than other sub-variants. This is worrying news.
“While studies are underway to better understand the variant’s immune evasion capabilities — that is, its ability to bypass the protective shield provided by existing COVID-19 vaccines — the good news is that so far, there is no evidence of a change in disease severity caused by the XBB variant.
Current diagnostic and protective measures remain effective, including WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines.
These COVID-19 vaccines have performed well against new variants and remain highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19," the WHO representative informed.
Therefore, for the time being, WHO recommends applying the same precautions against the XBB variant as we have done for other Omicron sub-variants and COVID-19 in general. That is:
Wear a mask in high-risk areas such as crowded places and in closed spaces.
Wash your hands often. Adults and children should make sure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including all recommended booster doses.
Dr. Angela Pratt emphasized that during the upcoming 2023 Lunar New Year holiday season, we wish everyone to have fun and enjoy time with friends and family, but at the same time, we also urge everyone to be vigilant to protect their health and safety.
So while there's still time before the holidays begin, make sure you and your loved ones are fully vaccinated and continue to take basic precautions like wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently.
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