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The Sars-Cov-2 variant identified in south-east England is called VUI-202012/01. It means “Variant in research, year 2020, month 12, variant 01”. British authorities have informed the World Health Organization that this Covid variant has 23 code differences compared to the standard sequence and can circulate 70% faster. Chris Whitty, head of the British health authority, however, explained that it is not yet clear whether the variant is more lethal. “The virus seems to be circulating faster. There is no evidence of an increase in fatality, but it appears to be spreading faster. That’s all we know, but we must act now, “said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Covid, new variant and vaccine
However, the point is vaccine. Because, of course, the concern is understandable. Will vaccines already developed (such as Moderna and Pfizer) or in the approval process work anyway? The (reassuring) answer is yes, at least for now and until proven otherwise, according to doctors. “This variant is unlikely to respond to vaccines,” said British Health Minister Matt Hancock. “Nothing at the moment indicates that the vaccine will be less effective,” added Boris Johnson. “At the moment there is no evidence that this variant of the Covid virus affects the effectiveness of vaccines. However, we need more research to understand it, ”continued Giuseppe Ippolito, scientific director of the Spallanzani Hospital for Infectious Diseases. And Richard Moxon, founder of the Oxford Vaccine Group, explained that a mutation can “suddenly change the behavior of virus, Making it more serious or disabling the administration. But he also noted that fears related to the impact of the variant in the vaccine are “unfounded.”
The heads of the health authorities in Britain indicate that according to some studies the new variant of COVID-19 he was probably present in London or Kent as early as mid-September. In mid-November, around 28% of cases in London were due to the new variant, and on December 9 the percentage was much higher. Currently in London 60% of cases derive from the new variant.
I also answer everyone who asks “does this mean the vaccine will not work?” There is currently no evidence that this variant is immune to the vaccine. Its effectiveness may change. It is necessary to monitor cases of reinfection.
– Giorgio Gilestro (@giorgiogilestro) December 19, 2020
Thus, the new variant of the virus found in the UK “It could also be present abroad,” stressed British government scientific adviser Patrick Vallance. “Viruses are constantly mutating, there are many mutations in the world. This is a particular constellation of changes that we think is important. We believe that it could be present in other countries, but here there is a concentration. It could have originated here, we don’t know for sure.
Last updated: 20:07
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