What is the Omicron variation?

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, many people are still dying. The World Health Association is warning against the spread of a new variant.

According to some reports, it could have more mutations than the Delta version and could prove fatal.

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What is the Omicron variation?

Many people are concerned by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 (B.1.1.529).

WHO reported the strain after a South African case had been reported earlier in the month. They later called it a “new strain”. “variant of concern,”And that’s the best evidence! “suggests an increased risk of reinfection.”

Experts met on Friday to evaluate the new variant, but it is still unclear how dangerous it is.

The new strain reportedly has a high number of mutations in the virus’ spike protein.

It is believed that it may be in five countries. The first case in Europe was detected in Belgium on November 26th, when a person who had not been vaccinated returned from abroad.

What did Joe Biden say about Omicron

According to The White House, this new variant has resulted in travel restrictions from the United States from South Africa as well as Botswana and Zimbabwe, Lesotho (Eswatini), Mozambique and Malawi.

The statement was released by President Joe Biden: “The policy was implemented out of an abundance of caution in light of a new COVID-19 variant circulating in Southern Africa.”

Adding, “…Our scientists and public health officials are working quickly to learn more about this variant.”

Travel restrictions are not applicable to American permanent residents and citizens.

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Do current vaccines protect against Omicron?

As of November 2021, there are three types of Covid-19 vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration including Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer.

It is not yet clear if these vaccines are effective against the new variant. However, it is encouraged that those who are eligible get the booster and jab.

Pfizer announced that they were testing their vaccine against the strain, but may also develop a new vaccine. “approximately 100 days,”Upon approval by the government.

Moderna has been testing their vaccine against Omicron.

“From the beginning, we have said that as we seek to defeat the pandemic, it is imperative that we are proactive as the virus evolves,” Moderna’s Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel, said, according to Business Wire.

“The mutations in the Omicron variant are concerning and for several days, we have been moving as fast as possible to execute our strategy to address this variant,” Bancel continued.

“We have three lines of defense that we are advancing in parallel: we have already evaluated a higher dose booster of mRNA-1273 (100 µg), second, we are already studying two multi-valent booster candidates in the clinic that were designed to anticipate mutations such as those that have emerged in the Omicron variant and data is expected in the coming weeks, and third, we are rapidly advancing a Omicron-specific booster candidate (mRNA-1273.529).”

Johnson & Johnson is also conducting testing and monitoring the new vaccine closely.