South African Covid variant may cut Pfizer vaccine protection by two-thirds

[Northerner]

A laboratory study suggests that the South African variant of the coronavirus may reduce antibody protection from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine by two-thirds, and it is not clear if the shot will be effective against the mutation, the companies have said.

The study found the vaccine was still able to neutralise the virus and there is not yet evidence from trials in people that the variant reduces vaccine protection, the companies said.

Still, they are making investments and talking to regulators about developing an updated version of their mRNA vaccine, or a booster shot, if needed.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/feb/03/uk-south-african-covid-19-mutations-vaccine
South African scientists will meet on Thursday to discuss the study. “I do know that our scientists will be meeting to discuss it and they will advise the minister,” health department spokesman Popo Maja said. “We are not going to be releasing a statement until advised by our scientists. We will also be guided by the regulator.”

South African Covid variant may cut antibody protection from Pfizer vaccine by two-thirds

Study finds fall in antibody activity – but scientists say jab should still protect against severe disease and death

www.theguardian.com