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A variant of the coronavirus first discovered in the UK has acquired a mutation that could make it more resistant to vaccines, according to a new analysis from Public Health England.
The variant, known as B.1.1.7, was first discovered in December and quickly spread across the UK. It is much more transmissible than other strains and there is some evidence that it could cause more deaths.
In the United States, the variant has been discovered in 32 states, although experts believe it is likely much more prevalent and could become the dominant strain by March.
According to the analysis, the estimated rates of mutation cases are 25 to 40 percent higher than the estimated attack rates for other strains.
Another mutation, known as E484K, is linked to strains in Brazil and South Africa that have been shown to be more resistant to existing vaccines.
Existing vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are effective against the B.1.1.7 strain, but the variant found in South Africa is more problematic. Trial data from Johnson & Johnson and Novavax shows their COVID-19 vaccines are not as effective against him.
This South African variant known as B.1.351 has been reported in 31 countries and at least two states to date.
According to Public Health England, a preliminary investigation found that the E484K mutation appeared more than once among the B.1.1.7 variants.
If so, it is a sign that the mutation is a relatively easy way for the virus to gain an advantage.
Experts say the best way to prevent new mutations and more potentially dangerous variants is for people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible, because more people who are immune means less chance for the virus to spread and evolve.
Vaccines can be updated to specifically respond to this mutation, and mRNA vaccines – which include Pfizer and Moderna products – are particularly suited to updating.
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