Effective COVID-19 vaccination programmes have allowed a return to pre-pandemic life for some. However, scientists and public health bodies have warned that hospitalisations and fatalities are expected to rise during surges fueled by traditional infectious disease seasons and evolving variants amidst loosened restrictions. With the highly transmissible BA.5 variant dominating recent infections, parts of Europe have already seen upticks in case rates and hospitalisations ahead of the anticipated winter surge. Governments must act now to prepare for an even greater surge in infections, hospitalisations and deaths. Effectively doing so will mean better protecting the most vulnerable members of society and lessening the significant health, economic and social impacts seen in previous surges. 

Over two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, incredible progress in combating the virus has been made and there is a collective desire to “move on.” However the future of the pandemic is unpredictable, and many remain at risk. Approximately 40% of the global adult population are estimated to be considered at high risk of progressing to serious illness caused by COVID-19. National organisations, supranational bodies, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical companies will have to efficiently work together to fully and appropriately utilise the tools at their disposal to fight COVID-19. The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of existing healthcare systems and pandemic preparedness plans, driving rapid innovation and efforts to address these issues – but there is still much to do. As COVID-19 no longer finds itself at the front of policymakers' priorities with an economic crisis looming and ongoing global conflicts, we can’t afford to be complacent in the fight against COVID-19.

This webinar hosted by the Financial Times, in partnership with Pfizer, will explore strategies for living with COVID-19 that aim to ensure those at highest risk of serious illness are not left behind. The discussion will focus on how the ecosystem of stakeholders such as governments, health authorities, and pharmaceutical companies can better work together to prepare for surges and help protect the most vulnerable.

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