Pouch: "COVID-19 Not Completely Overcome... More Dangerous Variants May Emerge"

"Importance of Omicron-Targeted Updated Vaccine Booster Shot"

Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), who led the United States' response to COVID-19, warned that a more dangerous COVID-19 variant could emerge this winter.

According to U.S. media on the 7th (local time), Fauci stated at an event hosted by the Annenberg Health Journalism Center at the University of Southern California (USC) that "We must be well prepared for the possibility that another variant virus capable of evading immune responses acquired through infection or vaccination may appear."

Fauci noted that there is always a risk of COVID-19 resurgence in winter, saying, "While it seems we are moving in the right direction, I think it is somewhat insensitive to say that 'we have completely overcome it'." He emphasized that even if a new and more contagious variant emerges this winter, "we should not be surprised."

Fauci pointed out that as the possibility of a stronger variant emerging exists, booster shots specialized for Omicron defense have become even more important. He said, "Especially now in the fall, we are encouraging people to receive specific updated vaccines, and fortunately, these vaccines are designed to target the major variants currently in circulation."