WHO: People with HIV need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a matter of priority
A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms that HIV can play a significant role in the risk of severe COVID-19. The data was presented at an official press conference on Thursday 15th July, during which the key topics of upcoming scientific conference “Science and HIV” (IAS2021) were announced.
The WHO report is based on clinical surveillance of severe coronavirus outcomes in people living with HIV who were hospitalised due to COVID-19. Based on data from 37 countries, it was found that the risk of contracting severe or deadly COVID-19 is 30% higher for people living with HIV. Additionally, men living with HIV over 65 years of age, diabetes, and hypertension all affected the severe course of the disease.
The WHO emphasises the need to ensure that people living with HIV have continued access to antiretroviral therapy. They also encourage people living with HIV to take their therapy regularly, prevent comorbidities where possible and seek treatment in a timely manner.
The report has made it clear that people living with HIV, regardless of their immune status, should be given priority status when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination. An informal WHO poll of 100 countries showed that only 40 were prioritising people living with HIV.
“The report released today will have important policy implications – providing data to confirm that HIV is a risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19 – and increases the urgency to see all PLHIV on treatment and with access to COVID-19 vaccinations." said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes.
