Early studies are beginning to paint a picture of omicron symptoms, vaccine effectiveness and the variant's spread around the world. Here’s what we know so far about the omicron variant.
, are increasing exponentially, which suggests that the variant is highly transmissible, but research continues. Omicron was first identified in South Africa last month, and it took less than three weeks to become the dominant variant in the country. It is also set to overtake the delta variant and become dominant in the U.K., health officials there said.Experts have expressed concerns that the variant’s mutations could allow it to dodge some protective antibodies generated by Covid vaccines.
Preliminary data also found that booster shots could play a key role in countering the drop in antibodies against the omicron variant. Pfizer announced last week that a third dose strongly protects against the new variant in laboratory tests — similar to levels of protection that the company’s initial two-dose regimen offered against the original strain — although the findings must be confirmed in real-world settings.
While the variant may increase the chances of breakthrough infections in those who have been vaccinated, there are no indications so far that vaccinated people infected with it experience more severe symptoms compared to other variants.Cases have been confirmed in more than 70 countries, according to the World Health Organization.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Melting Arctic Creating New Crises—From Infrastructure Collapse To A Beaver Invasion—Researchers SayAn annual report reveals 2021 has been a year of dramatic change in the Arctic, with greening tundras, infrastructure-destroying permafrost melts and never-before-seen rainfall on the summit of Greenland’s ice cap
Read more »
Guram Gvasalia Gets a New Job at VetementsVetements announces Guram Gvasalia will be the brand’s creative director, starting with the fall 2022 collection.
Read more »
10 DIY Decorations for Your New Year's Eve PartyBecause who *really* wants to go out on New Year's Eve?
Read more »
Christina Aguilera on Her Favorite Nintendo Switch Games and Making Her New Spanish AlbumThe new Nintendo ambassador opens up about her family's love of gaming and what to expect from her new Spanish album.
Read more »
Midem Won’t Hold 2022 Edition as New Organizer Is SoughtRX France has bowed out of organizing the longstanding music conference, which is in “advanced” discussions with city of Cannes to take over.
Read more »
New focus on Republicans who texted MeadowsThe January 6th probe is shining a new spotlight on members of Congress who were texting Mark Meadows as the attack was unfolding. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman joins the show to discuss the latest developments.
Read more »