Vaccines Slash COVID-19 Deaths by Over Half in WHO European Region Study

COVID-19 vaccines have significantly curbed pandemic-related deaths, saving 1.4 million lives in the WHO European Region, according to a recent study.

Since their introduction in December 2020, COVID-19 vaccines have reduced deaths due to the pandemic by at least 57%, saving more than 1.4 million lives in the WHO European Region. Most lives saved were aged 60 or older, belonging to the group at highest risk of severe illness and death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  

The first vaccine booster alone saved 700,000 lives, the study finds.

These are among the findings of a new WHO/Europe study revealing that today's known COVID-19 death toll in the European Region, currently at 2.5 million, might be as high as 4 million if it wasn't for the vaccines.  

"We have constantly stressed the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for older people and the most vulnerable. This study documents the result of countries implementing that advice. The evidence is irrefutable", said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO's Regional Director for Europe.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the WHO European Region - covering 53 Member States across Europe and Central Asia - has seen more than 277 million confirmed cases and over 2.5 million recorded deaths. 

The power of vaccines 

"Today, there are more than 1.4 million people in our Region - most of them elderly - enjoying life with their loved ones because they took the vital decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19. That's nearly one and a half million people who can play with their grandchildren, walk the dog, attend dance classes, volunteer, and be active members of their communities. This is the power of vaccines", Dr Kluge emphasised.