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Just over a year ago, scientists around the world began sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the goal of discovering more about the enigmatic new coronavirus. A few months ago, experts began to notice mutations in the virus genome that have prompted a new round of lockdowns and increased concern around the world.
After the vaccines were created in record time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now warns that B.1.1.7, the variant first identified in the UK, will become the dominant strain in circulation. in March.
“Increased transmission of SARS-CoV-2 could threaten overstretched health care resources, require widespread and more rigorous implementation of public health strategies, and increase the percentage of population immunity required for pandemic control. “the agency posted on its website.
As of January 13, 2021, approximately 76 cases of B.1.1.7 had been detected in 10 states, according to the CDC. Every day, B.1.1.7 is becoming more widespread, the information available thanks to virological surveillance throughout the world and the country. In Arizona, a place with some of the highest infection rates in the world, experts warn that the UK variant could exacerbate the current situation.
“The arrival of a more communicable variant of the UK could change this estimate for the worse. The Arizona outbreak is still appallingly bad. It takes a bit of good luck (or preferably political action) to buy extra time to vaccinate older citizens. Vulnerable Arizona, “said Dr. Joe Gerald, associate professor and program director for Public Health Policy and Management at the UA School of Public Health Mel and Enid Zuckerman.
The variant has mutations in the genetic code that affect the receptor-binding site in the viral coat, according to Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.
“As of now, there is no evidence that this particular variant poses a risk to the effectiveness of the vaccine. Vaccines are manufactured in a way that they can adapt to genetic changes,” Humble added.
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Pfizer, one of the makers of the first coronavirus vaccine to receive an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said they believe their vaccine will work against B.1.1.7 because of its mRNA technology.
“We are closely monitoring new strains and mutations of virus variants. One of the reasons we chose mRNA technology is because of its potential flexibility, including the ability to alter the RNA sequence in the vaccine to address potentially new strains of the virus., “said Pfizer via Twitter.
Each year, flu vaccines are slightly modified to fit the ever-changing genome of the flu virus. Similarly, the COVID-19 vaccine will need to be modified to accommodate a changing genome, but how often people will need to be vaccinated again has not yet been determined.
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