With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Rising incidence of BA.2.12.1 subvariant in the US

New York and other parts in the North east part of the United States are witnessing a rise in cases of BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariant since it was first detected in February. More than 75% cases (as on April 20) in Central New York were BA.2.12.1. In the country as a whole, BA.2.12.1 has increased from 3.5% of cases a little more than a month ago to nearly 30% of cases last week… (Source: Medpage Today, April 28, 2022)

Impending fifth wave in South Africa

There is an uptick in cases in South Africa, largely driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants raising concerns of a fifth wave in the country. The cases are showing an exponential rise. Gauteng province, which was the epicenter of the Omicron wave in the country, is again the epicenter of the current surge in cases with 3145 daily new cases and a 7-day average of more than 2000. The test positivity increased from ~12% a week back to 20.2%.... (Source: MedPage Today, April 27, 2022)

Moderna seeks EUA for its Covid-19 vaccine in young children

Moderna has applied for emergency use authorization (EUA) for its Covid-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273) for children aged 6 months to below 6 years. The vaccine will be administered in two doses of 25 μg each. The company is seeking approval based on preliminary results from the Phase 2/3 KidCOVE study which showed that the vaccine induced a strong neutralizing antibody response in this age group with a favorable safety profile. The vaccine was 43.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 with symptoms among those 6 months to 2 years old and 37.5% effective in the 2- to under 6-year age group … (Source: Moderna, April 28, 2022)

Denmark temporarily puts its Covid vaccination program on hold

Denmark will pause its Covid vaccination program from May 15, though people will be able to complete their vaccination course. Vaccination may restart in the Fall, according to the Danish Health Authority, which said, “Spring has arrived, vaccine coverage in the Danish population is high, and the epidemic has reversed.” The country has vaccinated 4.8 million people and more than 3.6 million have taken their booster dose…(Source: CNBC, April 28, 2022)

79% rise in global measles cases

Globally, measles cases increased by 79% in January and February this year compared to the same period last year, according to the WHO and UNICEF. The number increased from 9665 in 2021 to 17,338 in 2022. The Covid pandemic has hampered routine child vaccination programs across the world increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases raising possibility of outbreaks. “In 2020, 23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines through routine health services, the highest number since 2009 and 3.7 million more than in 2019.” (Source: WHO, April 27, 2022)

NCCN recommends fifth Covid-19 dose for patients with cancer

Immunocompromised persons, including those with cancer should take a fifth COVID-19 mRNA dose (second booster), recommends the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in its updated vaccine guidelines for patients with cancer. Moderna and Pfizer shots can be used interchangeably for boosters. The primary vaccination series for immunocompromised persons involves three doses of mRNA vaccine…(Source: Medscape, April 27, 2022)