The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) admitted individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine may be at a higher risk of infection from the new BA.2.86 variant of the virus.
This shocking admission comes amidst growing concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccines against emerging variants.
The CDC’s statement is a stark contrast to its previous assertions about the efficacy of the vaccines. Despite this, the agency continues to assert that the forthcoming updated vaccines will effectively reduce severe disease and hospitalization.
This claim is made even as scientists are still evaluating the effectiveness of these updated vaccines. The rush to bring these vaccines to market without comprehensive testing raises serious questions about their potential effectiveness and safety.
This surprising admission by the CDC follows a study released by the Cleveland Clinic last month. The study found the risk of COVID-19 infection increases with the number of vaccine doses received.
Conducted within the healthcare system, the study capitalized on the early recognition of the need to maintain an effective workforce during the pandemic. The results were published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases (OFID), where studies undergo rigorous peer-review.
The CDC’s risk assessment summary for the BA.2.86 variant states that existing tests and medications used to treat COVID-19 appear to be effective against this variant.
However, it also suggests this variant may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had COVID-19 or received COVID-19 vaccines. At this point, there is no evidence this variant is causing more severe illness, but the assessment may change as additional scientific data are developed.
Despite these revelations, the CDC maintains the updated vaccines will be available as early as mid-September at local pharmacies or doctor’s offices.
This announcement comes just as the Biden administration appears to be preparing for another round of lockdowns and booster rollouts in response to the new variant.
The CDC’s admission raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the current vaccination strategy. It also underscores the need for transparency and rigorous testing in the development and deployment of vaccines.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it is crucial that public health decisions are based on sound scientific evidence and not rushed to meet political or economic agendas.