In the light of various new homologous strains, in addition to the UK one, emerging globally, that may be evolved to escape the neutralising antibodies post vaccinations.

It is in everyone’s interest that @BharatBiotech @SerumInstIndia & @Cadila_Pharma ... (contd.)

... start working on tweaking the current vaccines & test it’s efficacy in preclinical models with cluster exposure to various strains. And it should start no later than now. It may be likely that new upgrades will occur every few mons.
#StayHomeSaveLives
#Covaxin #Covishield

3. Here is a review that suggests clear functional differences between the original sars-cov-2 virus and the new ‘variants’. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775006

4. The phylogenies tree of the SARS-COV2 clearly suggests the virus has undergone several mutations before becoming the highly virulent strain. This means that the new variants are not mere variants, they are distinct new SARS-COV-2 strains.

5. The relaxation of indoor restrictions and gatherings have undoubtedly led to the spike in UK, which is now averaging to 1000 deaths/day like it was in April. Situation is so dire that instead of previous finding of 1/10 infected people having the new strain, it’s 1/2 in London

6. The high tranrsmittability is likely due to the mutation in the spike protein that is used to attach to the cell surface to gain entry. i.e. the virus has evolved to become better at gaining entry into the cells.

7. Not only a vaccine upgrade but also, previous questions around exposure in public spaces, toilets, biophysics of the adhesion in clusters and its inhibition of infection via masks should also be investigated.

8. While a visor over your n95 is still the recommended protection. Many local retailers have been selling single/double ply fabric masks. While those may match your clothing, they do not effectively protect you against transmission in public places.
#NoFabricMasks

9. Essentially any mask, even a surgical mask, is as useless as wearing your mask only half of the time during your exposure. Remember the longer the exposure, the more likelihood of getting the infection. Since the new strain is even worse, a PSA should be given for n95 masks.

I0. To address the panic of vaccines vis-a-vis newer strains, preprint data of Pfizer vaccine showed some efficacy against the new strain. However, it needs more testing & development. Regardless, I hope adding new antigens is easier than creating a brand new vaccine.