COVID vaccines saved 1.4m lives in Europe— WHO

The World Health Organisation stated on Tuesday that the Covid virus was "here to stay" and that at least 1.4 million lives have been spared in Europe as a result of the vaccination.

The most recent data available from the WHO, dated December 19, 2023, shows that approximately 277.7 million cases of COVID-19 and over 2.2 million deaths have been reported in the European region, which includes 53 nations in Central Asia.

“Today, there are 1.4 million people in our region –- most of them elderly -– who are around to enjoy life with their loved ones because they took the vital decision to be vaccinated against Covid-19,” WHO Europe regional director Hans Kluge told reporters.

“The first booster doses alone saved an estimated 700,000 lives.”

Kluge said it was essential for people to protect themselves, especially those most vulnerable, during the winter.

“As we learn to live with Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses, it’s absolutely vital for vulnerable populations to stay up to date with their Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations as recommended.”

Europe must continue to invest in its healthcare systems, he said.

“We may be unprepared for anything out-of-the-ordinary, such as the emergence of a new, more severe Covid-19 variant or a yet unknown pathogen.”

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