COVID-19 Vaccination in The Wake of a Fourth Wave of the Pandemic: An Evidence-Based Strategy is Desperately Needed

Abstract

As of August 21, 2021, more than 32% of the world population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and almost one fourth is fully vaccinated. However, only 1.4% of the population in the developing world have received at least one dose (1). While the pandemic ravages the unvaccinated communities, a new wave of the disease is emerging in countries with high rates of full vaccination status (2, 3). There may be at least three factors responsible for the latter situation: 1. Emerging new variants (e.g. delta) which are much higher contagious than their predecessors and more resistant to antibodies produced by both natural disease and the available vaccines 2. Relaxing the preventive measures (e.g. use of masks, public gatherings) in the community mostly due to initial confidence provided by vaccination 3. Waning immunity from the initial course of vaccination