Some companies have asked that companies want a boost shot aimed at these variants. Do I have to wait before I get the vaccine, if there can be even better later? Or does the arrival of the variants mean that it is even more urgent to be vaccinated now?
We spoke with CNN medical analyst dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, talks for guidance on how to think about vaccinations amid these emerging variants.
Dr. Leana Wen: The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 is an RNA virus. These viruses are known to contract mutations as they spread. There are strains with certain mutations that are of concern. The variant first identified in the UK, B.1.1.7, is thought to be more contagious than existing strains. If a variant is more contagious, it can quickly become the dominant strain and displace others. Countries with the B.1.1.7 variant have seen rapid increases in Covid-19 infections.
Two other variants that may be of concern are those first identified in South Africa and Brazil, B.1.351 and P.1, respectively. These two can also be more contagious. In addition, some studies have found that these variants may allow re-infection, meaning that if someone had previously had another strain of Covid-19, they could still be infected with these strains. The mutations that the variants have can also make them less susceptible to the developed vaccines – although it is important to note that the current vaccines still work against it, although perhaps a little less effectively.
CNN: Isn ‘t that important? What happens if vaccines no longer work against new variants?
Win: This is definitely something that needs to be studied and followed. Research is now being done on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to make sure that they are still effective against the emerging variants. The companies also said they are investigating boosters specifically targeted at the variants.
It may eventually be that we need a boost survey. Or maybe the Covid-19 vaccine will eventually be like a flu shot, where we have to get a vaccine every year aimed at new variants that can develop over time.
CNN: Then should we not wait until there’s a booster and just get the chance?
Win: No, and here’s why. First, we do not know when these booster shots may appear. This can take months, and the boost shots may require you to complete the vaccine series first. If you get the chance to get the vaccine now, do so to protect yourself. Remember that our vaccines are still effective against the variants.
Second, we may still have to catch up with new mutations. These RNA viruses mutate a lot. The more they repeat, the more they mutate. This means that the more infection there is in a community, the more viruses circulating in that community are likely to mutate, and new variants can emerge. It may be that the vaccines need to be constantly evolving to keep up with the variants, which means we again need to get regular booster shots.
Third, because variants arise when there is a large distribution in the community, it is really important to try to reduce the transmission level. Vaccination is an important part of our plan to get there, as are masking, physical distance, avoiding indoor gatherings and other public health measures. The advent of the variant should mean that our vaccinations increase even more – and that everyone who is eligible to get a vaccine and can get one should do so.
CNN: What about the new vaccines being developed – could they be more effective against the variants?
Win: We do not know. This is why it is difficult to compare the efficacy of the vaccines head-to-head. The Pfizer and Modern vaccines were developed and tested before these more relevant variants became dominant. Johnson & Johnson and Novavax were subsequently tested, including on some sites with these variants already in circulation.
Over time, we can get more research on the specific efficacy of the vaccines against each variant, although I would like to draw our attention to the question of why vaccine trials matter: the real risk of serious diseases and hospitalization. This is ultimately what makes Covid-19 such a serious disease. If the vaccines can reduce serious illnesses to the point that it prevents people who get the vaccine from becoming so ill that they are admitted to the hospital, this is what we really want.
CNN: What if I already had a coronavirus – should I still get the vaccine? Does it matter what stress I got when I was infected?
Win: Yes. Especially now that it seems like re-infection can take place with the variants, it is even more important for those who have already had a coronavirus to be vaccinated.
CNN: Are there any additional precautions we need to take besides getting the vaccine whenever we can?
Win: The good news about the emerging strains is that they are still being spread in the same way, through the respiratory tract, mainly through close contact and also through aerosol transmission. (Although surface transfer is also possible, it probably makes a lesser contribution than these other methods.) This means the same precautions you took to prevent Covid-19 from still applying to the new variants.
Here’s the concern. The normal strains of Covid-19 are already quite contagious, but the new strains are even more contagious. This means that the activities that we believe were low risk are now more dangerous. We need to take even more measures to protect ourselves.
An N95 or KN95 can be helpful if you are going to be in a particularly close area where you cannot physically distance yourself, although these masks have a shortcoming and are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. You need to take even more care to avoid being indoors with others, and if need be, to maintain physical distance and try to be only in well-ventilated spaces.
The advent of the more contagious variants means we need to double the public health measures we know are effective in reducing Covid-19 transmission. The race to vaccinate is also crucial. The best tool to slow down the development of more variants is to slow down the spread of the virus. So let’s be vaccinated when it’s your turn, and stay safe – for yourself and for those around you.