A recent article by The People’s Voice has misinterpreted a notice on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, falsely claiming that vaccinated individuals are more susceptible to the BA.2.86 variant of the COVID-19 virus than the unvaccinated. The CDC notice in question stated that the new variant differs substantially and raised concerns about its potential to evade existing immunity gained from vaccines or prior infections.
However, the CDC’s document clearly states that existing tests and medications used to detect and treat COVID-19 are still effective against this variant. While there is a mention that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had COVID-19 or who have received COVID-19 vaccines, this does not imply that vaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of infection compared to the unvaccinated.
In a subsequent update, the CDC reported “reassuring” data showing that existing antibodies, acquired through natural infection or vaccination, work against the BA.2.86 variant. Kate Grusich, a public affairs specialist at the CDC, emphasized that vaccination remains the best protection against hospitalization and death.
It is important to note that this false claim is not supported by credible evidence. The CDC has not stated that vaccinated individuals are more susceptible to the BA.2.86 variant. Misinterpretations and misrepresentations of CDC information can lead to confusion and misinformation, and it is crucial to rely on accurate sources for reliable information.
Source: Reuters Fact Check
