The Academy of Medicine fears “an epidemic recovery” this summer

The National Academy of Medicine is alarmed by the new varying of SARS-COV-2, baptized NB.1.8.1, in a press release published on Wednesday June 25.

And in particular of its mutations: these “could improve the affinity of connection to the cell receptor ACE2. Meanwhile, increase the transmissibility of the virus, but also facilitate its exhaust to the antibodies induced by infections or previous vaccinations”.

No winter seasonality proven virus – Academy medicine fears "an epidemic

Thus. Furthermore, the National Academy of Medicine fears an epidemic recovery of COVID-19 during the summer months. In question, the adaptability of this new virus and the seasonality of SARS-COV-2 which is far from demonstrated.

“During 2024. national surveillance of COVVI-19 described a permanent circulation of SARS-COV-2 with two peaks of incidence, the first at the end of June/early July and the second end of September. The hypothesis of a winter seasonality of the Pandemic of academy medicine fears “an epidemic Covid-19. comparable to that of the flu epidemics, is therefore not confirmed ”.

While NB.1.8.1. which appeared in China, is at the origin of an important epidemic rebound in Asia, in particular in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, its prevalence also increases in Europe and North America, “suggesting that it risks becoming dominant”.

In this context. the National Academy of Medicine deplores “the insufficiency of the use of vaccination, in particular in the populations most at risk”.

The vaccination coverage measured in people aged 65 and over was only 21.7 % after the winter vaccination campaign 2024/2025.

And the current spring campaign does not make a recipe. “It could be extended until July 15,” according to the Academy.

The call to vaccination without delay of people at risk

This recommends that a vaccination be made without further delay for all people at risk of serious forms. vaccinated or not this winter (80 years and over, academy medicine fears “an epidemic immunocompromised, resident in Establishment for dependent elderly or in long-term care unit) and for all people eligible for annual vaccination (65 years and more, pregnant women, with comorbidities, or in regular contact with fragile people or immunocompromised), but not having been vaccinated in the fall of 2024.

According to the World Health Organization. which placed the new variant under surveillance on May 23, 2025, vaccines are currently effective against the symptomatic and serious forms of the disease.