Again our favorite pandemic commentator (Dr. John Campbell), has raised the issue of what is going on with Omicron BA.5 (July 14, 2022) and the 15 % non-COVID-19 excess all-cause mortality.
While nothing is for sure yet, here is an analysis of the UK data.
It seems boosters may have played some role in the selection of the BA.2 variants and/or BA.4/5 variants.
It looks like BA.5 has been selected for increased virulence but not involving the lungs.
Here is the summary slide deck.
Note that there is another line of the BA.2. variants (BA.2.75) which may also be of concern. We will get more information around the end of July on this.
I just wanted to point out, that for many of us who received 2 doses of the mRNA vaccine, this did NOT impact the ability of Omicron (BA.1) to generate the critical "trained innate immunity" [negative excess all-cause mortality] needed for herd immunity and necessary for ending the pandemic. It still acted as a naturally occurring trained immunity vaccine (as Bill Gates said, 'sadly it worked better than anything he could have devised'). However, to maintain the end of the pandemic as promoted by omicron we need to STOP any further vaccination especially against omicron variants.
Excellent. Thank you.