Ardit Dragusha

The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in December 2019[1] and is still ongoing, represents the most significant public health event in the world since the outbreak of the H1N1 virus[2] (1918-1920), also known as the Spanish flu. This December 2021 marks the first anniversary of the approval of the first COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine[3] by the US Food and Drug Administration, with other types of vaccines also now in use[4].

All types of vaccines approved to date are safe, effective and reduce the risk of disease^[5]. Vaccines provide the best protection for citizens against COVID-19 and are the fastest way out of the pandemic. Full vaccination (two doses of the vaccine) does not mean that the person will not be infected with COVID-19 in the future, but it does offer great protection against severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

A study by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control states that anti-COVID19 vaccination has saved the lives of about half a million citizens over the age of sixty in the region of Europe for less than a year[6].

Situation in Kosovo

The vaccination process in Kosovo started later than in the countries of the region. However, it proved highly efficient in reducing the number of infected persons, hospitalizations, and deaths. The Ministry of Health (MoH) announced that from 1 August until 1 December 2021, a total of 1,435 citizens lost their lives to COVID 19[7]. Of them, 1,280 (89%) were unvaccinated.

The rather low number of deaths from COVID 19 among vaccinated people in Kosovo is a clear indicator of the efficiency of the vaccine and, although there is no empirical study to confirm this, it is clear that many lives have been saved by the vaccine.

To protect oneself and others, vaccination is essential, particularly now with the emergence of the new “Omicron” variant.  Recently, the MoH approved the third dose of the COVID vaccine[8], which aims to booster the immunity of people with accompanying diseases and those vaccinated earlier. Vaccination is one of the main factors in curbing the pandemic. However, it cannot end the health crisis caused by COVID 19 on its own. In addition to vaccination, it is essential to also observe the other recommendations of health experts regarding the virus.

Conclusion

• Vaccines are completely safe and offer the best protection against COVID 19
• Vaccinated people can still be infected with COVID 19; however, vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death
• Full vaccination should be followed by observance of other anti-COVID 19 measures
• According to the decision of the MoH, the third dose of the vaccine strengthens the immunity of people with accompanying diseases and those who received their second doses of the vaccine more than six months ago.

[1] Arsenalut, Anisa. ‘A Timeline of Coronavirus (COVID-19)’. Very Well Health. December 22, 2020. https://dpl.us/gbw

[2] Infectious Disease SE, October 21, 2020: https://dpl.us/ahl

[3] U.S Food & Drug. ‘FDA Takes Key Action in Fight Against COVID-19 By Issuing Emergency Use Authorization for First COVID-19 Vaccine’. December 11, 2020: https://dpl.us/5pk

[4] World Health Organization (WHO): https://dpl.us/nlm

[5] Ibidem.

[6] Estimated number lives saved of people over the age of sixty due to vaccination against COVID 19 in the WHO European Region, December 2020 until November 2021: https://dpl.us/wel

[7] Koha Ditore. ‘In four months, 89% of COVID-19 related deaths in Kosovo were unvaccinated persons. December 13, 2021: https://dpl.us/479abd. (Last accessed on December 12, 2021).

[8] MoH decides to give booster dose and third dose of COVID 19 vaccine, December 8, 2021: https://dpl.us/yq3

Disclaimer:

This report has been published with the financial Support of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Democracy Plus (D+) and do not represent the views of the European Union. “Contribution to Finding Violations in Public Procurement of Institutions in the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic” Project, funded by the EU, implemented by Democracy Plus (D).