New COVID Variants May Weaken Vaccines, But Shots Will Still Protect You: Experts.

[2greys]

The new coronavirus is mutating in an attempt to elude vaccines and treatments, putting a greater onus on Americans to get vaccinated and use social distancing measures to avoid infection, U.S. health officials said Friday.

New COVID-19 variants out of South Africa and Brazil -- B.1.351 and P1, respectively -- contain a mutation called E484K, "which results in changes in the shape of the virus spike protein such that neutralizing antibodies might not bind as well as it does in the absence of the mutation," explained Dr. Jay Butler, deputy director for infectious diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He spoke during a media briefing from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) on Friday.

But experts also stressed that even a weakened vaccine can still largely protect folks from what they most fear: A severe case of COVID-19 disease.

consumer.healthday.com/1-29...

[2greys]

Of course, once again, this is concentrating on antibodies, forgetting about T-cells and Natural Killer Cells. There is more than just the one layer of protection.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to 2greys]

Once again I must thank you for the research you do and for posting it on to us.So helpful and reassuring 2greys.

[2greys in reply to RoadRunner44]

Given the news today, about the SA variant starting to spread in the UK community, this article is timely.

[Geminii in reply to 2greys]

Always relevant and timely. Thank you 2 Grey's.

[Hidden]

Thank you once again for the info 2greys x

[Alberta56]

Thanks for that ,2greys.

[Poppy2525]

I read on BBC web site that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should have some protection from the new variants and the two new ones coming along, but nothing about the Oxford vaccine. which is a little worrying as most of the vaccines given out in the UK are the Oxford one. Is there any further up dates on this?

[2greys in reply to Poppy2525]

'AstraZeneca Test Results on South Africa Variant Due Next Week'. Dated 28th January.

bloomberg.com/news/articles...

ie. this week!

[Poppy2525 in reply to 2greys]

keep fingers crossed, thanks