South Africa variant: what’s the risk?
Coronavirus has been changing in ways that might help it escape some of the body’s immune system defences. Scientists are working to update the Oxford-Astra-Zeneca vaccine, as research suggests it - and other coronavirus vaccines - may be less effective against the South Africa variant. Here’s what we know ...
What is the South Africa new variant?
All viruses, including the one that causes Covid-19, constantly mutate into new versions or variants.
These tiny genetic changes happen as the virus makes new copies of itself to spread and thrive.
Most are inconsequential, and a few can even be harmful to the virus’s survival, but some variants can make the virus more infectious or threatening to the host – humans.
There are now many thousands of variants of the pandemic virus circulating. But experts are concerned about the South African variant, also known as 501. V2 or B.1.351.
Do vaccines work against the South Africa variant?
It is too soon to say for sure, or by how much, although it is extremely unlikely the mutations would render vaccines useless. Scientists have tested the Pfizer Covid vaccine against other mutations. In that study vaccination appeared to work, but was slightly less effective. Even in the worst case scenario, vaccines can be redesigned and tweaked to provide a better match in a matter of weeks or months, if needed.
What is the UK doing about it?
Travel is now banned from many countries in southern Africa, as well as Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo. Targeted testing in the community is also taking place in some parts of England. Public health authorities and scientists are studying the variant and will share their findings soon.
Is it more dangerous?
There is no evidence the South Africa variant causes more serious illness for the vast majority of people who become infected. As with the original version, the risk is highest for people who are elderly or have significant underlying health conditions.
But there are concerns it can spread more readily.