The COVID-19 Omicron variant is a notorious strain of the killer virus, especially now that early studies report that Pfizer's antibodies from the renowned vaccine brand can only offer partial protection against it. The study has looked into what makes the Omicron a dangerous strain, and here vaccines were tested to know the protection it gives off to the vaccinated person.
COVID-19 Omicron Variant: Pfizer Antibodies Partial Protection Only
A researcher from the Africa Health Research Institute known as Dr. Alex Sigal has released his team's early study regarding the Omicron variant and its effect against those who were already vaccinated. The research said that it used the blood sample of 12 vaccinated people, with some of the control having received the Pfizer and BioNTech jab.
The vaccine of Pfizer is best known for its mRNA base, something that has been remarkable in the field of medicine and has helped the industry earn a lot, especially with its immunity for the public. For the Delta Variant, the Pfizer vaccine is enough to protect and has an adequate rate of protection, but for the Omicron, the said early results of the study say otherwise.
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There are a few results:
— Alex Sigal (@sigallab) December 7, 2021
1. Omicron still uses ACE2
2. There is a very large drop in neutralization of Omicron by BNT162b2 immunity relative to ancestral virus
3. Omicron escape from BNT162b2 neutralization is incomplete. Previous infection + vaccination still neutralizes
Pfizer Antibodies Offer Partial Protection, Why?
The manuscript of Dr. Sigal and his team shows the research in its early stages, focusing on why the Omicron repels the Pfizer vaccine a lot, despite being a potent one against the virus. Omicron still uses ACE2 receptors to bond with cells and infect them like the past variants, and this is important because it means that it is traceable and can be fought off with existing treatment.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Virus Fight
Seemingly, the world is healing after the Delta variant has been controlled by the government by the number of vaccinated people that have received their complete doses, as well as gaining immunity from it. Then comes the new Omicron variant that is known for its more rapid infection rate and danger that it poses to the public.
Since its introduction, it has affected the health sector as another impending wave is coming, now being the most dangerous variant there is and affecting other industries like technology, particularly Apple. The fight against the virus did not stop as the government is still pushing for vaccination and protecting one's self from the virus by wearing face masks.
For now, the early study has seen that Pfizer's dose is only slightly effective regarding the Omicron variant, and its antibodies lack several elements to keep the infection away from this new strain. Nevertheless, the study aims to help the vaccine makers for future dosages that would help fight against these strains and get rid of the virus all-in-all.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Richard
