Health Leaders Discuss COVID-19 Variants and Policy

The Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 brought a stop to relative normalcy around the world. This led to innovations in COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, and governments instituted regulatory policy at a record pace. On February 23, Meridian brought together members of the diplomatic corps and private sector to explore these issues in a fully virtual program.

Moderated by Ambassador Laurie Fulton, Meridian Diplomatic Advisory Committee Member, the program featured remarks from the following speakers:

Dr. Paul Burton, Chief Medical Officer, Moderna

Dr. Stephen Hahn, CEO-Partner of Flagship Pioneering, Chief Executive Officer of Harbinger Health, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner (2019-2021)

Here are the top takeaways from the program:

1. AN EMPHASIS ON DATA DRIVEN SOLUTIONS

The ever-evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants exacerbates the already difficult challenge of successfully containing its spread. There is currently no tangible way of predicting new COVID-19 variants in spite of innovations in technology in the health field. Given the unpredictability of new variants arising, the best way to move forward is through the uninhibited collection of data. In the United States, creating a modernized data system will be imperative in facilitating coordination across federal, state, and local levels of government and is integral for proper risk-benefit evaluation.

2. PULLING BACK THE CURTAINS: TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY

Collaboration and cooperation have been hallmarks in the fight against COVID-19, and a major factor that vaccinations were able to be developed in a historically short amount of time. With fatigue over the pandemic continuing to grow, the facts must be laid bare for normal people to see to keep them involved, and politicization of the virus and vaccine must be avoided. This means highlighting the need for additional boosters as new variants continue to appear. A clear message and goal will further innovation and help assuage future fears.

3. A CAUTION IN OVERCONFIDENCE

There are hints of a return to safety just around the corner. Many in the United States and around the globe are eager to return to normality. The unfortunate reality is that we are far from out of the woods yet. Unlike the flu that has a linear path, the Omicron variant does not share that similar ease of prediction. Vicious cycle of mutations will continue to evolve as infections grow during the colder seasons in each hemisphere, with mutations crossing back and forth over the equator on a seasonal basis. As colder seasons approach in each hemisphere, populations should receive appropriate vaccines and boosters.

4. PEELING BACK THE YELLOW TAPE

The introduction of vaccines saved millions of lives while also alleviating some of the pressure on the U.S. healthcare system and its workers. The key to the rapid rollout of vaccines by private companies was the fostering of an innovative environment by U.S. regulatory agencies. A new prioritization by many agencies in doing a rolling review period allowed private companies like Moderna to get safe vaccines to the public at speeds never seen before. Harmonization at both a national and international level will be crucial in the exchange of ideas and strategies in combating new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

5. THE LOOMING THREAT OF THE BA.2 SUBVARIANT

BA.2, a subvariant of omicron, has rapidly become the dominant form of coronavirus. With an infection rate 1.5 times more than that of Omicron, BA.2 looks set on proliferating across the globe. It has already become the prevalent variant in countries like India, Denmark, and the Philippines. With the effectiveness of previous vaccines wavering due to new variants like BA.2, additional boosters should be expected. This new pathogen strikes at a particularly vulnerable time as many populations around the world begin to grow tired of restrictions, mandates, and vaccinations.

This program was generously supported by Moderna