We don't know much about the new variant, and we've been worried before about variant that have come to nothing. The important questions are whether it increases transmissibility, whether it worsens health outcomes, and whether it erodes immunity. We don't have a firm answer to any of these questions, but it is likely that the mutations will affect the effectiveness of vaccines.
If that is the case, vaccine manufacturers will have to quickly come up with new versions. It is relatively easy to reformulate a vaccine with the help of mRNA technology. Paul Burton, Moderna's chief medical officer, told the BBC on Sunday that his firm could have a new booster ready to roll out as early as next year.
The data we need to know how worried we should be is being gathered by researchers around the world. We don't know how omicron came about. South Africa, where omicron seems to have originated, has a vaccine rate of only 34%, which experts warn poses a global risk because it gives the virus more opportunities to evolve.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to get a vaccine. If you are offered a booster shot, you should take it. It isn't possible that omicron will eradicate vaccine efficacy.
