NEW COVID STRAIN FOUND IN ALABAMA: HOW THIS WILL AFFECT THE VACCINE

After a vaccine has come out to be given to millions of people to prevent the spread of Covid-19, a new strain has come out. According to Dr. William Schaffner, who is a professor of infectious disease, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, he thought that everything was getting to be back to normal, however, the new strains of Covid shows up. The new strain is believed to be highly contagious and is now in the State of Alabama. The initial virus was also considered to be a novel virus, meaning it once was not identified in humans, until the end of 2019. It is believed that this strain has come from the United Kingdom. There have been other strains of the virus from Brazil and South Africa too. The two states that have been affected by the new Covid strain, are Montgomery, AL and Birmingham, AL.

VACCINE THAT WAS MADE FOR THE INTIAL COVID-19 VIRUS

Health officials are still trying to get the vaccine out as soon as possible, especially since there are other variants, that are starting to spread all around the world.

HOW WILL THE VACCINE BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW COVID STRAIN?

Although the vaccines appear to be working against the initial strain of Covid-19, it is uncertain if these vaccines will work for the newest strains that have come about. Dr. Schaffner hopes that the present vaccines will work against these new strains, however, more research is needed. It is also said the the vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer seems to have been effective against the highly contagious UK strain. It can be concluded this is a good indication that the vaccines may work against such highly contagious virus just like the initial strain of Covid-19. The frightening part is the new strains may cause more severe, life-threatening illnesses. Johnson and Johnson also have a new vaccine that is awaiting to be FDA approved, however, it is believed to be less effective than the other vaccines. It is said until further notice, we should still practice safe measures by staying 6 feet apart, washing hands often, expand rapid testing, and wearing masks.