Vaccinations and COVID-19: effectiveness, updates, and new variants

Several years after its pandemic onset, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate around the world, evolving with some frequency. In parallel, targeted vaccinations remain an essential protective tool for both individuals and the community.

In the following paragraphs, we will address the different aspects of this topic, focusing on the usefulness of vaccines within a broader prevention context.

Why get vaccinated today

At present, getting vaccinated remains a sensible choice. The purpose of vaccination campaigns, however, is not to eliminate infections but to limit the most complex cases. Although less aggressive in its pathogenicity, the virus in question still represents a risk for the most vulnerable groups.

Reduction of severe forms, hospitalizations, and long-term outcomes

The most relevant function of vaccination is to counteract the most severe symptoms. When SARS-CoV-2 infects a vaccinated person, the probability of hospitalization, or even death, decreases significantly. Vaccine-induced immunity essentially hinders the virus in its attempt to affect the lungs and other vital organs, preventing potentially irreversible damage. The protection conferred by the vaccine may prove more lasting than that derived from a previous infection, also limiting the onset of persistent symptoms. This condition, known as Long COVID, remains an active research topic, distinguished by the unpredictability of its effects on patients.

Community protection for the vulnerable and workers

As mentioned earlier, the effects of the vaccine are not limited to protecting the individual but extend to the entire community. At the same time, certain at-risk categories of exposure and/or complications are highlighted, described below.

• People with chronic illnesses: individuals suffering from major pathologies, such as heart patients, cancer patients, and more generally the immunocompromised, are at risk of severe infection. Protecting these people is the primary reason to get vaccinated.
• Elderly: due to physiological aging, COVID-19 can become more problematic and difficult to manage.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: for pregnant women, the reference extends to the entire period of pregnancy.
• Healthcare personnel: in both public and private sectors, vaccination coverage of this group contributes to protecting the aforementioned categories, who are, of course, more frequent in healthcare environments. Protecting workers, moreover, keeps the care system efficient, reducing sick leave.

Types of vaccines and variant updates

Scientific and biotechnological advances have enabled the rapid development of vaccine solutions. To date, several types of vaccines are available, whose goal remains the same: to confer immunity against the viral agent.

mRNA, recombinant protein, and other platforms

The classification of vaccines depends on the criterion used to design them. Here is a brief overview.

• mRNA vaccines: this innovative technology uses a molecular fragment (mRNA) that provides specific instructions to cells. These will produce the spike protein, characteristic of the virus, which will be recognized by the human immune system. The latter, in turn, will produce specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. A convenient aspect of this solution lies in the rapid adaptability of vaccines to circulating viral variants.
• Viral vector vaccines: these formulations contain an engineered virus that is not harmful to humans, called a “viral vector.” Its task is to guide cells in producing the aforementioned spike protein, activating the antibody response in the human body.
• Recombinant protein vaccines: these vaccines are based on the presence, within the composition, of the spike protein (obtained in the laboratory) and an adjuvant substance. The latter component promotes the antibody response in the subject. This technology was developed some time ago, boasting several applications in previous vaccines.
• Inactivated virus vaccines: in this case, the vaccines contain SARS-CoV-2 grown in the laboratory and rendered inactive.

Each type undergoes safety checks, as well as being tested for relative effectiveness. Ultimately, suitable formulations are authorized and prepared for public administration. The selection of the most appropriate vaccine for the individual person takes into account different factors, such as the person’s age, health conditions, and prior use of other formulations.

What “updated” means and how it is decided

Vaccines are updated, and essentially modified, in response to new circulating viral variants. As is known, the virus can develop immune-evading capabilities arising from previous vaccines or infections.

Decisions on how and when to update vaccines are made by health and pharmacological authorities, such as the WHO (World Health Organization), the EMA (European Medicines Agency), and the AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency). The necessary process involves a first phase of global surveillance, aimed at identifying new variants, and a subsequent study phase, to verify the efficiency of vaccines against the mutated virus. Then, depending on the results obtained, the update of vaccines is authorized, or not, for the subsequent vaccination campaign. Finally, vaccine production proceeds, leading to new formulations to be tested for safety and effectiveness.

Multilevel prevention: beyond the vaccine

Notwithstanding the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, these are included in a diversified range of prevention, according to a multilevel approach. This generally consists of compensating for the limitations of each measure by applying all the others.

Individual protection vs environmental control

The aforementioned measures are grouped into individual protection measures and environmental control solutions. Together, all measures act synergistically to counter infection risk. Individual protection, specifically, consists of a series of targeted choices and behaviors, such as adherence to vaccination campaigns, the use of face masks, and frequent hand washing. Environmental control, on the other hand, acts on the healthiness of common spaces and indoor air, considering the diffusion of respiratory viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2) in bioaerosols. Below are the standout environmental measures:

• Ventilation of environments: to promote the exchange of potentially contaminated indoor air with fresh outdoor air, through windows or mechanical systems.
• Air filtration: by installing HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to remove suspended particles in indoor air.
• Air sanitization: by applying neutralizing technologies on respiratory viruses, such as UV-C light or other cutting-edge technologies.
• Surface sanitization: by removing coarse dirt and using disinfectants for environments.

When additional measures are needed

In some contexts and situations, the application of additional measures becomes particularly relevant. Below are some concrete examples.

• Indoor public environments: such as public transport, offices, movie theaters, and universities. These high-traffic contexts experience the accumulation of pathogens in the air and on surfaces.
• Poorly ventilated spaces: generally, environments without windows or with inefficient mechanical ventilation systems. Essentially, they lack the air exchange necessary to dilute viruses in bioaerosols.
• Seasonality: in the colder months, people tend to frequent indoor environments, where interacting with infected individuals is more likely. Understandably, this favors viral transmission and an increase in cases.
• High-vulnerability environments: places such as hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These are environments occupied or frequented by vulnerable individuals, whose protection is the priority.

e4life devices: indoor air control

Within the multilevel strategy, new technologies are emerging alongside more traditional measures, such as ventilation and filtration. Among these is the e4shield^TM technology, aimed at inactivating viruses in bioaerosols by emitting electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic waves to inactivate aerosolized viruses

Integrated into e4life devices, this technology, recognized among the innovative techniques in the reference practice for indoor environment sanitization UNI/PdR 173-1, exploits microwaves at a specific frequency to inactivate pathogens suspended in indoor air. The devices designed by the company are available for multiple types of use, such as fixed installation or personal transport. In any case, they emit microwaves into the surrounding environment, inducing irreversible mechanical damage in the targeted viruses.

Distinguishing themselves from UV-C lamps, which can be harmful to health, this technology has been developed for total human, animal, and environmental safety. In this regard, it aligns with the One Health approach.

Target environments: schools, offices, community healthcare, retail

As mentioned for additional measures in general, the application of electromagnetic waves is useful for high-traffic environments, where the risk of viral transmission is decidedly high. Specifically, it proves advantageous for schools and universities, but also for open-plan offices, meeting rooms, and retail settings. Healthcare environments, once again, represent the elective places for the use of these devices. In general, the desirable goal is to frame electromagnetic wave technology as an additional tool in broader prevention, without neglecting efficient ventilation, the application of hygiene standards, and adherence to vaccinations.

Evidence, safety, and integrated approach

The protection of public health through the above measures does not disregard safety and suitability requirements. We will explore this aspect shortly.

Available data, limits, and intended use

For vaccinations: the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines is extensive and consolidated. It is based on large-scale clinical studies, as well as data on doses administered worldwide. Health authorities, moreover, regularly oversee vaccination coverage, the effectiveness of formulations, and safe applicability. It is important to remember, however, that the preventive capacity offered by vaccines can wane over time and in the face of new variants, requiring booster doses in vulnerable segments of the population.

For environmental technologies, such as e4shield^TM: the effectiveness of new technologies on the market is supported by specific tests demonstrating their neutralizing capabilities on viruses in bioaerosols. It is advisable, however, to understand the limitations of such tools. They do not replace vaccines, which remain an excellent measure of primary prevention, and they do not stop viral transmission through direct contact between individuals. Their effectiveness also depends on the size and layout of environments.

Best practices: combining vaccinations and environmental mitigation

Safety in relation to infection risk is a crucial aspect in all areas of society, including corporate settings. The development of an integrated strategy that profitably combines all prevention tools is entrusted, in companies, to appropriate professionals.

As for the general guidelines for a good approach, they involve a sequence of this kind:

• promote and facilitate staff adherence to vaccination campaigns;
• conduct an accurate assessment of infection risk in the company, identifying various critical issues;
• organize a multilevel prevention system, integrating traditional measures and innovative solutions;
• manage communication regarding the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., masks) and the handling of illness periods;
• monitor, at local and national scales, epidemiological trends to enable rapid adaptation to risk situations (e.g., a surge in infections).

FAQs

Do e4life devices replace the anti-COVID-19 vaccine?

No, they are an additional measure to be combined with other preventive tools.

Does it make sense to use it if everyone is vaccinated?

Yes, using these devices further reduces the risk of contracting the virus.

Is it safe during working hours?

Yes, e4life devices are safe for humans, animals, and the environment. For optimal use, in any case, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Does it require complex installations?

The devices are designed for easy installation. However, it is advisable to ensure the electrical suitability of environments and adhere to the provided instructions.

Is it needed even with windows open?

Yes, the constant operation of the devices adds an additional level of protection.