In the face of the evolving threat posed by the Eris subvariant, which has shown resistance to previously developed COVID-19 vaccines, health experts are urging the introduction of new booster shots in Türkiye.
The Challenge of Efficacy
Vaccines have proven to be our most potent weapon against COVID-19. Nevertheless, the virus has undergone substantial mutations, rendering the originally developed vaccines less effective against newer variants like Eris. Alpay Azap, a respected faculty member in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Ankara University’s Faculty of Medicine, emphasized the pressing need for updated vaccines. He stated, “The XBB.1.5 vaccine, known for its high efficacy against the Eris subvariant, should be made available in our country as soon as possible, particularly for high-risk groups.”
Detection of the Eris Subvariant
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca confirmed on September 15th that the Eris subvariant had been detected in nine individuals within Türkiye.
Evolving Pandemic Landscape
Addressing concerns about a return to lockdowns or mask mandates, Azap clarified that the pandemic has evolved rather than regressed. He explained, “We expected COVID-19 to transition into an endemic disease over the years, meaning it would become a part of our lives, with fluctuating case numbers. The current situation aligns precisely with that expectation. Since it’s a respiratory virus transmitted through airborne droplets, it has transformed into a respiratory tract infection with increased cases during winter and reduced cases during summer.”
Further reassured the public, stating, “Hence, there’s no need for panic. We do not foresee a return to the strict restrictions and lockdowns we saw during the pandemic’s peak. The disease is no longer causing severe illness; it has essentially become an upper respiratory tract infection, akin to the common cold and flu. This was expected, so there’s no need for stringent measures.”
Minister’s Response
Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, in response to calls for new lockdowns and nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, cited a doctor’s death due to the virus, which he argued had caused “social depression.”
Regarding the death of Erzin Hospital Chief Physician Dr. Ersin Mahmutluoğlu due to COVID-19, Koca countered the Turkish Medical Association’s statement, saying that Mahmutluoğlu had died from a respiratory infection, with three COVID-19 PCR tests yielding negative results.
Koca criticized the exploitation of the doctor’s death as “black propaganda” aimed at pushing unscientific measures and vaccination campaigns due to the Eris variant. He emphasized the importance of science in such matters, stating, “Who wants to use an unnecessary medicine, and which doctor can recommend it?”
He urged those advocating unscientific initiatives to embrace the impartiality and responsibility of science. Koca made it clear that there would be no further lockdowns or nationwide vaccine campaigns for COVID-19, asserting that “COVID-19 is a disease that will now be fought just like the flu.”
Calls for Public Health Measures
Following Dr. Mahmutluoğlu’s death on September 30th, the Turkish Medical Association called on authorities to expedite the introduction of vaccines with high efficacy against the Eris variant. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining hand hygiene, ensuring cleanliness in public spaces, wearing masks in enclosed and crowded areas, and providing accurate information transparently.
Minister Koca confirmed that there were no plans to implement a new vaccination program and emphasized, “It is not possible for us to yield to global COVID-19 vaccine pressure.”