Ineffective vaccines: US worried about new Covid-19 variant

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States is concerned about a possible new wave of Covid-19 caused by the KP.2 variant, which currently accounts for the majority of new cases and whose characteristics require special attention.

Experts say this new variant is a mutation of the Spike protein that allows it to not respond to vaccines.

“We have a population whose immunity to the virus is weakened, which increases vulnerability to new Sars-CoV-2 infections,” said Thomas A. Russo, chair of the department of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. .

“If I looked into my crystal ball, I would say that given the various factors influencing the new mutation, we are likely to have another wave or at least an increase in cases and hospitalizations this summer,” adds scientist. Yale University School of Public Health Director Megan Ralley also believes a new surge in infections is expected in the near future.

Finally, a study conducted at Harvard, but not yet officially published, will show that not only will the newest vaccines fail to protect against KP.2, but that this new variant will be more resistant to immunity acquired during previous infections.