BioNTech and Pfizer have mentioned a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was capable of neutralise the brand new Omicron variant in a laboratory check and so they might ship an Omicron-based vaccine in March 2022 if wanted.
Within the first official assertion from vaccine producers on the probably efficacy of their shot in opposition to Omicron, BioNTech and Pfizer mentioned two vaccine doses resulted in considerably decrease neutralising antibodies, however {that a} third dose of their vaccine elevated the neutralising antibodies by an element of 25.
On the similar time, the Omicron variant has been reported in 57 nations and the variety of sufferers needing hospitalisation is prone to rise because it spreads, the World Well being Group mentioned on Wednesday.
The WHO, in its weekly epidemiological report, mentioned extra information was wanted to evaluate the severity of illness brought on by the Omicron variant and whether or not its mutations may cut back safety from vaccine-derived immunity.