Pfizer is planning to update its current vaccine within 100 days if the new Omicron variant is found to be resistant against the shot.
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The new variant was first detected in South Africa and has spread to several other countries in Europe, leading to multiple travel restrictions in Asia and North America. Two cases were already detected in the United Kingdom. The variant has different mutations that will make it easier for the virus to avoid antibodies that have developed in the body after an individual has received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pfizer said in the following statement that they will update their current vaccine within 100 days if it is proven that the Omicron variant is resistant to their vaccine: “Pfizer and BioNTech have taken actions months ago to be able to adapt the mRNA vaccine within six weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days in the event of an escape variant.”
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“We expect more data from the laboratory tests in two weeks at the latest. These data will provide more information about whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that may require an adjustment of our vaccine if the variant spreads globally,” a spokesperson continued to say to Reuters.
Moderna is also planning to update its vaccine by testing a booster in case it is ineffective against the Omicron variant.
SOURCE: Business Insider