Jonathan Van-Tam on COVID’s Next Phase - Takeaways - MDSpire

Jonathan Van-Tam on COVID’s Next Phase

Former UK Deputy Chief Medical Officer discusses new protein-based vaccines, declining uptake, and the ongoing risks of COVID-19

  • By

  • James Strachan

  • Julian Upton

  • April 14, 2026

  • 7 min

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  • 1

    Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam emphasized that COVID-19 remains a public health concern similar to seasonal flu, particularly for vulnerable populations.

  • 2

    The introduction of Sanofi's Nuvaxovid vaccine adds a protein-based option to the UK's vaccination program, complementing existing mRNA vaccines.

  • 3

    Van-Tam noted that the lethality of COVID-19 has decreased, aligning more closely with seasonal flu due to vaccination and less lethal variants.

  • 4

    He highlighted the importance of having diverse vaccine technologies available for future pandemics, as no single technology can be guaranteed to work.

  • 5

    The addition of Nuvaxovid presents a research opportunity to explore the effects of alternating vaccine types on long-term immunity.

Original Source(s)

Jonathan Van-Tam on COVID’s Next Phase

  • by James Strachan, Julian Upton

  • April 14, 2026

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