Impact of Anti-COVID-19 Vaccines on Emerging Variants of COVID-19

Abstract

 COVID-19 is an acute infectious condition brought about by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). SARS-CoV-2 is largely a respiratory virus, although it can also impair other significant organs and systems. Several novel variants of concern (VOCs) have appeared after the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including the Alpha (B.1.1.7); Beta (B.1.351); and Gamma (P.1); Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.617.2) (B.1.1.529). According to preliminary studies, some of these VOCs can evade immune responses produced against earlier variants, reducing the efficiency of existing vaccinations. Several presently offered vaccinations give partial to total protection against these strains, if further mutant variations evolve, current vaccinations may have to be revised, either by generating vaccines that match the existing strain or by creating multivalent vaccines that cover a wider range of mutations. A vaccine may prove efficacious against a variant but show no effect on the other. The effects of currently existing anti-COVID-19 vaccinations on distinct SARS-Cov-2 VOCs have been discussed in this article.