In a powerful testament to medical resilience, new World Health Organization research confirms COVID-19 vaccines continue protecting millions from serious health complications, even as the global pandemic recedes.

The groundbreaking EuroSAVE network study, tracking respiratory infections across Europe, Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, uncovered critical insights into vaccine effectiveness between May 2023 and April 2024. Nearly 4,000 patients were hospitalized with acute respiratory infections during this period, with COVID-19 responsible for almost 10 percent of cases.

Startling statistics underscore the ongoing importance of vaccination. Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, only 3 percent had received a vaccine dose within the previous 12 months. The consequences were often devastating: 13 percent required intensive care admission, and 11 percent died from the virus.

Medical epidemiologist Mark Katz from WHO's regional office emphasized that while COVID-19 no longer causes widespread disruption, it continues to pose significant health risks. Comparative research revealed COVID-19 patients were more likely than influenza patients to require oxygen, intensive care, or face fatal outcomes.

The most encouraging finding came from vaccine effectiveness data: an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine received within six months demonstrated 72 percent effectiveness in preventing hospitalization and 67 percent effectiveness in preventing the most serious outcomes, including ICU admission and death. A separate multi-country analysis further confirmed vaccines reduced COVID-related hospitalizations by approximately 60 percent.

These findings reinforce the critical message that timely booster doses remain a powerful shield against severe illness, offering hope and protection in our ongoing battle against the virus.