December 18 2021There were 39 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today and 10 new cases in MIQ. Video / NZ Herald
By RNZ
As we head into the third year of the pandemic, a group of distinguished international scientists has published an opinion piece arguing that vaccine strategies need to shift focus from trying to stop infection, and move towards the prevention of severe disease and global equity in achieving high adult coverage.
Published in medical journal The Lancet on Friday, the article was authored by all 15 current members of the World Health Organisation's peak vaccine advisory group - the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), who note that the recent emergence of Omicron as the fifth variation of concern has threatened confidence in vaccine protection.
Professor Peter McIntyre from University of Otago is the lead author for the piece, and says New Zealand needs to get its objective straight as it heads into 2022.
New Zealand has a lot to celebrate, he says.
The strategy of elimination it pursued before the advent of vaccines was far and away the most effective, with death rates more than 100 times lower than many countries that opted for other strategies.
But it meant New Zealand has had to rely on gaining high vaccine coverage rates because we had little immunity from the effects of Covid-19 - so it is terrific we are now among the most vaccinated countries in the world, Professor McIntyre says.
The important question now is where do we want to get to, he says.
Covid-19 is a severe illness that hits elderly people and those with health problems particularly hard.
"Our focus going forward needs to continue to be on those severe cases," he said.
18 Dec, 2021 06:03 AMQuick Read
18 Dec, 2021 04:00 PMQuick Read
18 Dec, 2021 03:00 AMQuick Read
18 Dec, 2021 01:55 AMQuick Read
"If we over time end up with Covid circulating widely and causing, as the current coronaviruses [do] ... they cause colds, about 20 percent of colds, it's just that we weren't testing for them ... They've always been there, but they were mild and we didn't worry about them too much.
"So what our objective has to be is to tame Covid with vaccines into something that we are OK about because we know it's not going to send you to hospital or kill you."
It will take time for the country to move away from the pre-vaccine era where every case identified is treated as "a disaster".
There is still "an incredible intensity of testing" which has meant people going to hospital for other reasons have ending up being counted as Covid-19 positive cases.
"There is a need for a kind of shift. It's going to take a little while because people are understandably very nervous ... But I think we do have to have a shift over time from focusing on every infection to saying: OK infection is here, we have to deal with it but what we really care about is ensuring we're protecting with anti-virals, boosters, with whatever we have got at our disposal, protecting people vulnerable still to severe illness."
Professor McIntyre says laboratory staff "have been smashed" by the amount of testing they have to do for Covid-19 and sooner or later they will need to reduce this testing to allow a focus on other diseases.
While the country is in a privileged position because of its high vaccination rate, it remains vital to get groups such as Mori and those who are uncertain "over the line".
New Zealand needs to keep the number of infections down, but we "don't need to be on the edge of our seats" about every case now that vaccines are widely available, he says.
McIntyre says the world is incredibly lucky to have seen the development of vaccines that work so well against severe disease.
He would argue against lockdowns and blocking flights now that the country has achieved its 90 percent double vaccinated for those who are eligible.
No parts of New Zealand are now lowly vaccinated, he says.
"To be honest countries around the world, if they looked at 90 percent double vaccinated, that would be in their dreams - even high income European countries, it would be in their dreams.
"Denmark is about 80 percent over 12 [years old]. So I think New Zealand has done incredibly well."
While there is still a need to raise the vaccination rates in some areas of the country that are lagging behind, "that is a really important objective but we have to look at the balance of what all the downsides are of severe restrictions and how much of that we are prepared to tolerate".
"The vaccines are performing terrifically well, we're in a different situation with high vaccine coverage and that's great."
He says New Zealand was most vulnerable to the Delta strain because at the time it escaped MIQ into the Auckland community vaccination rates were still low.
If people are vaccinated they will probably be protected against the worst effects of Omicron and for the elderly or the immuno-compromised anti-virals will be available.
"So we're in really really good shape. But the thing that we still have to focus on is the unvaccinated because it doesn't matter what letter of the Greek alphabet we're talking about, they're still in the firing line."
McIntyre says in other parts of the world where vaccination rates have been low, those who receive one dose after being infected have a much greater level of protection against new variants.
Asked if low vaccination rates allow the development of variants, he says their emergence will be driven by "infection pressure".
We are now in the post-vaccine world and need to recognise that this infection will be around forever and we need to be looking at how infections and vaccines interact with each other, he says.
In future there may be a live attenuated version of this virus which vaccinated people can have which will provide a boost without giving people the virus.
These types of vaccines create a nervousness because of fears of whether it has been weakened enough to not pass on the virus, particularly to children.
"There's been interest in it but it's something which is still evolving ..."
The approach of having the vaccine go into the nose or breathing it in through an aerosol is another option for building up immunity.
"A live attenuated vaccine, if we could do it as we have done with flu, it may be something which really helps us as this whole endemic or transition to being an endemic virus evolves."
The goal is to build a broad immune response which would be similar to the immunity built up for measles and other childhood viruses such as chickenpox and polio.
"That's why we have been able to get rid of smallpox because we were actually giving protection against the whole virus, not just a bit of it."
It looks like a mix and match of MRNA vaccines (such as Pfizer) is effective - which is a positive when trying to distribute the supply of vacines worldwide, however, there would not be any advantage to New Zealanders using another vaccine for their booster shot, he says.
While early reports suggest the new variant Omicron may be milder than the likes of Delta, his prediction is that people are still at risk of severe disease if they are unvaccinated.
Speaking about the international vaccine supply in the first half of 2022 he expects it to be solid, and the challenge in terms of global equity will be to deliver vaccines to parts of Asia and Africa that have so far missed out.
"The good news is that the supply is coming right, we've still got a long way to go but we're on the right track."
This report has been edited to reflect New Zealand is among the the most vaccinated countries in the world.
See the rest here:
Covid 19 coronavirus: NZ needs to refocuse its strategies, says Professor - New Zealand Herald
- New Zealand keep series alive after England's dramatic collapse - Yahoo Sports - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand to Ban Disposable Vapes | TIME - TIME - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- U.S. Men's Olympic Soccer Team to Face France, New Zealand and Asia-Africa Playoff Winner in Group A at 2024 ... - U.S. Soccer - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Around the world: New Zealand settling into World Championship - worldcurling.org - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand will ban disposable e-cigarettes in a bid to prevent minors from taking up the habit - The Associated Press - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand beat England by three runs in third womens T20 international as it happened - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Thailand revokes visas of New Zealand tourists after roadside brawl with police - South China Morning Post - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England beat New Zealand by 15 runs in second womens T20 international as it happened - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England Women begin tour of New Zealand with victory in opening T20 - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Jack Blacks epic New Zealand Warriors moment goes viral: Up the Wahs! - New Zealand Herald - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand vs England third T20 result: Hosts keep series alive - The Telegraph - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- More details revealed about New Zealand interest in joining AUKUS security pact - RNZ - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- For 60 years NZ has searched its 'Bermuda Triangle' for the Dragonfly a plane that got lost in the clouds - ABC News - ABC News - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Filipina-Kiwi actress Franki Russell appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand - GMA News Online - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England suffer dramatic three-run defeat to New Zealand in third T20 international - Sky Sports - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England take T20 series lead with comfortable win over New Zealand in Dunedin as Heather Knight stars - Eurosport COM - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand February trade data shows exports and imports both climbing from January - ForexLive - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand v England: Tourists collapse to hand White Ferns victory in third T20 - BBC - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Thailand revokes visas for New Zealand tourists arrested for attacking police officer - The Independent - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Does a weak New Zealand economy lead to a weak NZ dollar? - Interest.co.nz - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England Women suffer defeat against New Zealand in Nelson - SuperSport - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SailGP Black Foils win ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in the chaos and collisions - Sailweb - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- 'Dragonfly' plane mysteriously lost in New Zealand's 'Bermuda Triangle' is still being searched for 60 years later - Supercar Blondie - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand adds two Paris 2024 Olympic spots at Oceania qualifier - World Archery - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- China always regards New Zealand as a sincere friend, important partner amid complex international situation ... - Global Times - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Chumbawamba asks New Zealand's populist party to stop using hit song Tubthumping - The Independent - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Captains knock from Knight helps England to T20 win in New Zealand - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Why is New Zealand's deputy PM rowing with Chumbawamba? - The Spectator - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Molly Caudery's New Zealand training is just another example of her life of chaos... the pole vaulter is one o - Daily Mail - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- We Were Dangerous Filmmakers On Their Hilarious Yet Tense New Zealand Period Drama - Screen Rant - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Police hunt for two women kicked out of Auckland metal concert - New Zealand Herald - January 14th, 2024 [January 14th, 2024]
- Hospitality New Zealand to launch industry strategy looking to next 10 years - RNZ - January 14th, 2024 [January 14th, 2024]
- Australia, New Zealand move toward clean energy transition - Anadolu Agency | English - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Airdate: New Zealand From A Train - TV Tonight - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Labours Winter Plan Excludes Half Of New Zealand - Scoop - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- What's New On Disney+ | Flamin' Hot (Australia/New Zealand) - What's On Disney Plus - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Roundup: Telehealth providers needed in rural New Zealand and ... - Healthcare IT News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Why it's taking so long to open New Zealand's first Ikea - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand companies showcase apple, kiwi in HCM City - Viet Nam News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Christopher Luxon has a point: New Zealand needs more people - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Climate scientist says New Zealand insulated from worst, but warns ... - RNZ - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Can the New Zealand Super Pacific teams be stopped this weekend? - RNZ - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand Fiji reaffirm close relationship - Beehive.govt.nz - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand has a new Scrabble champ - Times - Times Online - Auckland - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Elite sports trainer had sexual relationship with teen athlete who fell ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New independent advisory board welcomed to the Royal New ... - New Zealand Police - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- IBM New Zealand's profit took a mauling in FY2022 - Reseller News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Elliott Smith: Why NZ has a Super Rugby coaching problem - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Hospitality Innovator To Open Hospitality New Zealand Conference - Scoop - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- The New Zealand travel card game being adopted by stoned ... - The Spinoff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Boxing New Zealand welcomes IOC's decision to terminate 'corrupt ... - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- How a spooky old water tank inspired New Zealand's latest creature ... - The Spinoff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- He drove almost the length of New Zealand: Truck driver disqualified ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- What will 200000 buy in Norway, Sweden, South Africa, New ... - The Irish Times - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Where to find New Zealand's best sea experiences on World ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand specialists to probe sudden chicken deaths - Cook Islands News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Qantas v Air New Zealand to New York: Is there room for both? - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- A Journey Through New Zealands Less-Visited Corners Showcases Mori ... - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- New Zealand: 7.1-magnitude earthquake prompts tsunami warning in ... - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey reveals romantic behind the scenes secret from The Last of Us series - New Zealand Herald - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- Gin Wigmore on what she doesnt miss about New Zealand and gnarly birth experience - New Zealand Herald - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- China wants to help New Zealand recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, including financing, constructing key infrastructure - Newshub - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- New Zealand on Alert over Supervolcano with Explosive History - March 13th, 2023 [March 13th, 2023]
- New Zealand police reach more people previously not contactable after ... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Cyclone Gabrielle: fresh storm warnings for New Zealands worst-hit ... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- UPDATE: New Zealand government estimates more than $8 billion worth of damage caused by cyclone Gabrielle - Euro Weekly News - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Warning as major new scam cons New Zealand investors out of millions in just a few weeks - Newshub - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- 15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New Zealand - WorldAtlas - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright' - Newshub - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- New Zealand lifts state of emergency declaration as rain ... - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand Pop-Punk Band Goodnight Nurse Are Reuniting to Open for My Chemical Romance Next Month - Concrete Playground - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand prepares for more flooding after country's ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Auckland flooding: death toll rises as New Zealand hit with ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- There is still enough pull to play for New Zealand: Ferguson on players giving up contracts - The Indian Express - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- India Predicted XI vs New Zealand: Will Prithvi Shaw be roped in for IND vs NZ 3rd T20I? - Republic World - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- New Zealand climate and weather | 100% Pure New Zealand - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Countdown for New Year begins; New Zealand welcome 2023 as millions celebrate - The Economic Times - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand Welcomes The New Year In Grand Style | Fireworks Show From Auckland's Sky Tower - News18 - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Sir John Key says mainstream thinking will embrace China again, New Zealand will have 'magnificent' relationship with Beijing - Newshub - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]
- Glowworms, rubber tubes, and the Nile: A most unusual adventure in New Zealand - Moneycontrol - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]