Amid Omicron fears, WHO warns against vaccine hoarding by rich countries

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.

The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.

Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.

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While there was still little evidence that additional doses were needed to protect against developing severe Covid disease, many vulnerable people and health workers in poorer nations have yet to receive a single dose and remain at great risk.