Coronavirus
Two Coronavirus Strains First Detected in California Are Now ‘Variants of Concern’ According to the CDC
(CNN)Two coronavirus strains first detected in California are now officially “variants of concern,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The variants may be about 20% more transmissible, the CDC said, citing early research. Some Covid-19 treatments may also be less effective against the strains. Still, the CDC didn’t say that vaccines would stop working against them.
In laboratory studies, antibodies from vaccinated people do seem to be less effective at neutralizing the strains. But lower levels of antibodies may still be enough to protect against Covid-19, especially in severe cases. Certain immune cells can also help protect against disease — not just antibodies.
No coronavirus variants currently rise to the US government’s highest threat level, “variant of high consequence.” Coronavirus strains shown to significantly reduce vaccine effectiveness would fall under that category.
