Stockholm, 17 August 2023
ECDC has classified all XBB.1.5-like lineages with additional amino acid change F456L as variants of interest. This due to a rapid increase in the proportion of these variants presently in circulation, which may have immune-escape properties compared to the variants which were previously in circulation. Epidemiological indicators also show an increase in COVID-19 transmission in the EU/EEA and abroad, following several months of very low rates of infection. There is currently no sign of increased hospitalisations or pressures on health systems.
Based on what is observed in countries outside EU/EEA, it is likely that F456L-variants will contribute to increased transmission in the coming weeks. However, it is unlikely that the levels will reach those of previous peaks observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also unlikely that F456L-variants are associated with any increase in infection severity compared to previously circulating variants, or reduction in vaccine effectiveness against severe disease. However, as for other SARS-CoV-2 variants, older individuals and those with underlying conditions could develop severe symptoms if infected.
The completeness and timeliness of epidemiological and virological COVID-19 surveillance data has decreased in the last year, which affects the ability to make an assessment for all EU/EEA countries. Member States are encouraged to expand their use of, and report data from, well-designed, representative population-based surveillance in primary and secondary care to monitor trends in transmission and severe disease by time, place and person, in a timely manner.
Adherence to national vaccination schedules is essential to protect people at high risk for severe disease and death. Countries should assess their readiness to identify target groups and conduct timely COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. In addition, communication campaigns towards the public and healthcare professionals are deemed necessary to reach high risk groups and inform them of the importance to stay up to date with vaccination.
Source – ECDC – Email