President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s health advisor, Dr. Mohamed Awad Taj El-Din, reported that Omicron variant symptoms are comparable in severity to other variants; however, its exceptionally high transmission rate poses a significant challenge.
In a phone interview with Azza Mustafa on Sada Al-Balad’s “Tahrir Hall” program, Dr. El-Din highlighted the stark difference in transmission rates. He noted that a single influenza case typically infects two others, while a COVID-19 patient infects more than four. Omicron, however, surpasses both, infecting over fourteen individuals, resulting in the exponential rise in reported cases.
Dr. El-Din disclosed that Egypt had administered 121.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by December 26th.
He observed a notable increase in public vaccine uptake compared to the initial rollout, with daily vaccinations reaching 600,000. He anticipates further growth in vaccination rates to achieve widespread immunity.
The presidential advisor clarified that, mirroring the seasonal influenza vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy lasts for six to nine months, necessitating booster shots every six months.