In the past two years, the UK has experienced abnormally high death rates, with COVID-19-related deaths contributing to a significant portion of these numbers. Despite the country's high vaccination rates and early adoption of COVID-19 vaccines, scientists are concerned that the level of protection offered by these vaccines may be lagging. This has led to discussions about the need for additional precautionary measures in the future.
The UK was one of the leading countries in terms of vaccine adoption, with a high percentage of the population receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. As of August 2022, more than 90 percent of individuals aged 12 and above had received at least one dose, and nearly 90 percent had completed the recommended two-dose regimen. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of citizens went a step further by receiving three or more doses.
However, there have been some concerning findings related to vaccine effectiveness and adverse effects. One study published in The Lancet in 2022 showed that after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, the elderly and patients with multiple health conditions had a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality rates. Specific underlying health conditions, especially those requiring immunosuppressive treatments and chronic kidney disease, also posed a high risk despite receiving booster doses.
Another British study published in July 2023 evaluated the effectiveness of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines in patients with kidney disease. The results revealed that patients who received two doses of AstraZeneca had an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death compared to those who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
These findings highlight the importance of considering individual health conditions when assessing vaccine effectiveness and potential risks. It is crucial to identify high-risk groups, especially those with underlying health conditions, to better respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
In addition to vaccine-related concerns, official data from the UK indicates that there are other factors contributing to higher-than-normal death rates. These include symptoms related to old age and frailty, liver diseases, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes, and hypertension, among others.
People with diabetes, in particular, often suffer from multiple comorbidities that increase their risk of death. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, decreased kidney function, neuropathy, and cardiac arrhythmias are common complications associated with diabetes.
Arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death, are prevalent among both younger and older populations. In Western countries, sudden cardiac death caused by arrhythmia is a significant cause of mortality.
