WHO Europe Calls for COVID Booster Shots for Vulnerable, Splitting With Organization’s HQ

WHO Europe Calls for COVID Booster Shots for Vulnerable, Splitting With Organization’s HQ

The World Health Organization's European office is calling for more booster shots to be distributed to those vulnerable to COVID-19, the Associated Press reported.

The office, which is projecting another 700,000 deaths throughout the 53 countries in the region, suggested that nations give a "booster dose" to their most vulnerable populations, including those with weakened immune systems and seniors over the age of 60. Healthcare workers were also among those the organization encouraged boosters for.

"Today, the COVID-19 situation across Europe and Central Asia is very serious. We face a challenging winter ahead, but we should not be without hope, because all of us—governments, health authorities, individuals—can take decisive action to stabilize the pandemic," Dr. Hans Kluge, regional director of WHO Europe, said in a statement.