A recent misinterpretation of a document from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has led to false claims that vaccinated individuals are more susceptible to the BA.2.86 variant of the COVID-19 virus. The misinterpretation arose from an article by The People’s Voice, which incorrectly represented the CDC’s initial risk assessment.
The article falsely asserts that the CDC’s weekly respiratory virus update confirmed that vaccinated people are at a higher risk of infection from new variants compared to the unvaccinated population. However, upon examination of the CDC document, it becomes clear that this claim is unfounded.
The CDC’s document begins by highlighting that the BA.2.86 variant of the virus has multiple genetic differences from previous versions of SARS-CoV-2. The “Current Risk Assessment” section acknowledges that this variant may be more capable of causing infection in individuals who have previously had COVID-19 or have received COVID-19 vaccines. While this statement may be open to interpretation, it is essential to consider the full context.
In a subsequent section of the document titled “Immune impacts,” the CDC expresses concerns about the BA.2.86 variant’s potential to escape existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections. However, a later weekly update from the CDC confirms that existing antibodies, acquired through infection and vaccination, still work against the BA.2.86 variant.
Kate Grusich, a public affairs specialist at the CDC, has emphasized that early data shows the existing antibodies are effective against this variant. Vaccination continues to provide the best protection against hospitalization and death.
In conclusion, the CDC did not state that vaccinated people are more susceptible to the BA.2.86 variant in the August notice. Claims suggesting otherwise are false and the result of misinterpretations. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in preventing severe illness and reducing the spread of the virus.
Sources:
– U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
– The People’s Voice
– Reuters Fact Check team
