A newly discovered variant of the covid virus named Omicron has sparked a global scare, shaking stock markets and countries blocking arrivals from places where cases of infection have been detected. The strain is under scientific study, but many of its mutations – more than 30 on its spike protein alone – are believed to have increased its chances of being able to evade vaccine-borne antibodies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a tighter vigil against infections and rapid second-dose wax coverage in India. Our response may need to be further strengthened if current jabs are found to be insufficiently effective against Omicron, which would pose a risk of infection flare-ups. In the US, Moderna and Pfizer are said to have started investigating whether their vaccines need updates, which they promise to do within 100 days, if needed. The coveshield and covaxin jabs in use here may also need modification. Angelique Coetzee, head of the Medical Association of South Africa, where many omicron cases have been detected, has said that fully vaccinated people are not at high risk of severe covid. Panic can prevail. But precautions are still being taken.
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