Pfizer-BioNTech start trial of vaccines for Omicron

The Omicron type of the coronavirus has caused a worldwide outbreak of Covid-19 infection. The substantially modified strain is thought to circumvent current immunizations and infect the host more effectively.

Despite the fact that Omicron has proven to be the most probable variety to cause illness in persons who have been vaccinated, it is unclear if a vaccine adjustment is truly necessary.

Original immunizations continue to provide effective protection against serious disease and death. Studies also suggest that getting a regular booster reduces your chances of preventing even a minor illness.

“We recognize the need to be prepared in the event this protection wanes over time and to potentially help address Omicron and new variants in the future,” Pfizer vaccine research chief Kathrin Jansen said in a statement.

“We recognize the need to be prepared in the event this protection wanes over time and to potentially help address Omicron and new variants in the future,” she said.

Ugur Sahin, CEO of the biotech company BioNTech said protection of the original vaccine did appear to wane more rapidly against Omicron.

“The study is part of our scientific approach to develop a variant-based vaccine that provides protection from Omicron similar to what we have observed with previous variants, but at the same time lasts longer,” Sahin said.

The trial will involve 1,420 people aged 18-55 across the United States and South Africa, with the first participant dosed in North Carolina.

A government panel in Japan approved expansion of Covid restrictions in 18 additional regions, such as the western prefectures of Osaka and Kyoto. The decision was taken due to a rise in cases and hospitalizations, driven by the Omicron variant. Under the new rules, which will last till February 20, regional governors will have the power to ask restaurants to shorten working hours and stop serving alcohol.