Will Vaccines Work Against New Mutations?

Here’s what the science says

Elemental published an extremely thorough guide to the Covid-19 vaccine, answering every possible question. The FAQ is being updated and added to as the vaccine process continues. Here’s one of the newest questions.

Q: Will the current vaccines protect against the new Covid strains scientists have discovered?

In recent weeks, much Covid reporting has focused on two new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus: one, called B.1.1.7, appears to have originated in the United Kingdom and the other, 501Y.V2, in South Africa. Though a study last August concluded that Covid vaccine candidates “would likely match all currently circulating variants,” the big question now is whether the two authorized vaccines, or any vaccines currently in trials, will protect against these brand new variants.

The South African variant raises more concerns than the UK one because of where its mutations occur. In mid-December, vaccine manufacturers had already begun studying whether their vaccines would work on the new variants. Scientists don’t have a firm answer, yet but the most recent data suggests some optimism. A small study by Pfizer and scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch showed that the Pfizer vaccine seems to work against both new variants. However, the study is small and not yet peer-reviewed. Moderna has not yet published any data about the new variants and its vaccine.

It’s important to note…