Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou has called for vaccination of pregnant women, stressing that this will protect both their babies and themselves.
Kyriakidou, speaking to a limited number of correspondents in Brussels, noted that «vaccines are effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in pregnant women. It is very important that we get the message across to expectant mothers that vaccines protect mothers and their babies.».
At the same time, as regards the compulsory vaccination, the European Commissioner pointed out that it makes sense to have such a debate, but it is not Brussels that will tell the Member States to make vaccination compulsory.
«Member States are in the best position to decide what is best for them based on their situation.».
In addition, it stated that the debate on a possible fourth dose of the vaccine continues, while underlining the importance of the supporting tranche.
«We see a situation now with very high transmissibility of the Omicron mutation, and this is serious for our health systems. Omicron can mean mild or severe infection for the person, but in no case should be considered a mild variant. It still remains a dangerous virus», Stella Kyriakidou stressed.
He also referred to the fact that there is an increase in hospitalizations for example in the United States as well as in countries in Europe with an increasing number of younger patients and especially children being hospitalized.
«We know that vaccines continue to offer good levels of protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. Vaccination and booster doses continue to be the key message,» he noted.
Regarding the evolution of the pandemic, the Health Commissioner said she would not make any predictions as to whether this is the last wave.
«What we do know is that the vaccines have not failed. They protect and save lives. We know that vaccination does not completely prevent infection and transmission, but overall it reduces the chances of infection and further transmission» he stressed, while pointing out that it must be understood that COVID «is unlikely to disappear on its own».
Stella Kyriakidou reported that about 70% of the population is fully vaccinated, about 40% has received a booster dose, while after the approval of the vaccines for children, 23% of under 18 years old is partially vaccinated.
«Millions of Europeans are still unvaccinated and this is one year after we have safe and effective vaccines available. And of course, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Member States that will suffer the most are those with lower vaccination rates.», Ms Kyriakidou pointed out.
Finally, he noted that on Friday the French Presidency has convened an informal meeting to discuss vaccination strategies and the possible need for additional booster doses.
