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Omicron is characterized by being extremely infectious, Štrukelj added , illustrating: "If we did not have protection with a mask, such a person would infect 20 to 30 people."
So far, scientists know that this version could be less symptomatic of the disease, which means that the disease would be easier to overcome. "This is a positive scenario, but a negative one, that new mutations may still occur and this strain can also be very dangerous," he added.
But the mutations are repetitive, so experts hope the virus will stick so tightly to the cell's surface that it will eventually fade away. "This is again a positive scenario, but the negative one would be that the virus is not only infectious, but also causes more serious complications in covid-19 disease. But everything is still premature, news is monitored daily," Štrukelj added.
Four new vaccines are under review
The European Medicines Agency is currently reviewing four vaccines, Štrukelj said about news regarding vaccines.
"Valneva, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Novavax are in the approval phase. How they work against the new omicron strain is not yet clear, but we can talk about more than 50% effectiveness, maybe even more," he explained, adding: "We hope that will be available as soon as possible. Novavax could be available as early as the beginning of the new year, and Valneva is expected in February or March. "
We also came up with the first specific drug - molnupiravir, which is recommended for everyone, especially the elderly. However, it is forbidden for pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant. Štrukelj mentioned another new drug, paxlovid from Pfizer, which does not yet have a license, but is expected at any time. "Medicines do not prevent infection, but they do prevent a more serious course of the disease. Patients can get over the disease at home, thus reducing the pressure on hospitals," he said. You can watch the full statement in the video below:
The booster dose against omicron is very effective
Regarding the effectiveness of the third, booster dose against omicron, Štrukelj said that the findings show that it is very effective against omicron.
"We therefore recommend the third dose. We also recommend that you take advantage of the possibilities of Moderna. We recommend it to anyone over 30 years of age, as it shows a high degree of effectiveness."
After the death of the girl in September this year, which was the result of vaccination with a vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson,
Slovenia stopped vaccinating with this vaccine.
Vaccination of children between the ages of five and 11 this week
On Monday, we received the first shipment of Pfizer's vaccine for vaccinating children aged five to 11 against covid-19, government spokeswoman Maja Bratuša explained . The NIJZ Vaccination Advisory Group has already included in the vaccination recommendations the vaccination of children between the ages of five and 11.
"Vaccination centers will start vaccinations this week. Children can be ordered to be vaccinated by their parents or guardians in three ways: at selected pediatricians, at vaccination centers or through the zVem portal," she said.
