Omicron puts scientists on red alert

Omicron (B.1.1.529 variant of SARS‐CoV‐2); an emerging threat: Current global scenario

“…[10][11][12][13][14] Omicron is the most mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant possessing 50 mutations in its genome including 30 mutations in its spike (S) protein alone, owing to which it gained higher transmissibility and partial resistance to immunity induced by currently available COVID-19 vaccines and antibody-based therapies. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] The omicron variant is detected by RT-PCR, 22 however genomic sequencing is required for confirmation. Preliminary evidence also suggests an increased risk of reinfection in COVID-19 recovered patients as well as vaccine breakthrough in vaccinated individuals with this variant.…”

“…The COVID-19 vaccines were found less effective against Beta and Delta variants as the mutations facilitated the virus variants to partially evade immune responses. 15 In case of this newer variant (Omicron), many such functions and impacts of higher mutations on efficacy of vaccines are yet to be analyzed.…”

“…20 In between this, the vaccine vendors have also announced their plans to make new versions of their COVID-19 vaccines tailored to Omicron. 15 In this context, Moderna and Pfizer have declared to produce specific vaccines for omicron within 100 days. 26 Booster doses are being recommended to increase the protective potentials of COVID-19 vaccines and preventing health impacts of infection with Omicron variant as well as other variants.…”

Twin combination of Omicron and Delta variants triggering a tsunami wave of ever high surges in COVID‐19 cases: A challenging global threat with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent

“…Omicron has been found to be partially resistant to COVID‐19 vaccine‐induced immunity and overpowering key antibody‐based immunotherapies 12–14 . As the mutations help the virus to partially evade the immune responses, the present COVID‐19 vaccines are less effective to prevent infection with Omicron; thus, a large number of breakthrough infections are being reported in vaccinated individuals worldwide 15,16 . The Pfizer‐BioNTech has suggested a booster dose after two existing vaccine doses, which may potentially provide protection of up to 25% against the Omicron variant.…”

“…[12][13][14] As the mutations help the virus to partially evade the immune responses, the present COVID-19 vaccines are less effective to prevent infection with Omicron; thus, a large number of breakthrough infections are being reported in vaccinated individuals worldwide. 15,16 The Pfizer-BioNTech has suggested a booster dose after two existing vaccine doses, which may potentially provide protection of up to 25% against the Omicron variant. Moderna also pointed to a third vaccine dose, which may increase protective antibody levels of the body to fight against infection with Omicron.…”