COVID-19 Four Years Later: A Look Forward
Four years ago, the world was thrust into a pandemic. In the early months of the COVID-19 outbreak, there were many unknowns. Yet government officials, researchers, and public health professionals rallied together, determined to uncover the origins of COVID-19, explore potential treatments, and develop vaccines.
The Evolution of Responses to COVID-19
Since then, the world has progressed in comprehending COVID-19 and its variants. Researchers have devised effective COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Government agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maintain comprehensive COVID-19 websites that offer the latest information about vaccines, COVID-19 case statistics, and other crucial details.
Gaps in Care
Inequities existed before COVID-19. Literature reviews often outline society’s role in economic, educational, and healthcare issues. They highlight how societal choices can affect the care received by different population groups. However, COVID-19 did highlight what a collective experience can do for everyone. The response to inequities by government, public, and private entities is a catalyst for continuing change in access to health care services.
The Loss of Social Support Systems
Human contact is vital for most people. The lack of access to friends, family, and social groups isolated people, and the mental and physical well-being of some began to deteriorate. As the need for social support systems increased, so did innovation. Many organizations have created teleprograms in response to the loss of social interaction. These programs fostered relationships among participants as they engaged in activities like the arts, sports, or group discussions. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation created and supported many of these programs. Furthermore, many of the teleprograms continue to be offered by agencies after social isolation regulations were removed.
Vaccines and Boosters
Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna developed the first COVID-19 vaccines available to the public. These mRNA vaccines use mRNA technology to teach cells how to make a protein that defends against COVID-19 and its symptoms.
Another vaccine, Novavax, is a protein subunit vaccine. These vaccines contain pieces of the COVID-19 virus and adjuvants that help the immune system respond to the virus. The CDC continues to update its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
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Vaccine Fatigue
People may feel fatigued as the vaccines and their recommendations evolve. Researchers are studying a way to help alleviate vaccine fatigue.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, are investigating a potential replacement for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The research team is also exploring administering the replacement without a needle.
The ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi)-based vaccine will use a live, altered version of COVID-19. However, it would not use your body’s usual immune response. The new vaccine will create a protein that blocks a virus’s RNAi response. All viruses we encounter create an RNAi response.
The potential vaccine would be effective against COVID-19 and future viral strains. It could also be safe and effective for those with immunocompromised systems and infants.
Researchers hope to receive the funding needed to conduct their study. If successful, the new vaccine will be available in a few years.
Looking Forward
The global spread of COVID-19 initiated global responses. The Biden administration’s United States Global Health Security Partnerships is a new endeavor to increase the ability of the United States (U.S.) to “prevent, detect, and respond to the spread of infectious disease.”
The United States Global Health Security Partnerships will expand health security to 50 nations. The initiative will bolster the countries’ ability to detect, identify, and respond to diseases. The program will also focus on the U.S.’s ability to coordinate across agencies.
Conclusion
The potential harm COVID-19 has on vulnerable groups, the immunocompromised, or high-risk age groups remains. However, if you want to learn more about protecting yourself or preventing severe side effects from COVID-19, talk to your medical provider. You can also follow the CDC’s COVID-19 webpage for the latest recommendations.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS, is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve healthcare policy for those with long-term health issues.