What do we know about the Mu variant of COVID-19 so far?
“The World Health Organization classifies it as a variant of interest, that is, they monitor it because it has some characteristics that need to be controlled. In the United States it is not yet a major player. Well over 95% of what is circulating in the U.S. it’s the Delta variant, which was originally reported in India, ”Delclos explained.
What concern does the Mu variant have at the moment?
“For me, right now, it’s not as worrisome as delta, because delta is rampant and we know that delta is more infectious than previous variants. Many mutations end up being nothing, but some of them can be worrisome, from so at this point and time I agree with the CDC. We need to keep an eye on it, “Delclos said.
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One of the factors that sounds worrying is that studies show that the Mu variant may be resistant to existing vaccines. Dr. Delclos explains that so far most of this information comes from laboratory tests and not from clinical trials in a significant number of people.
Is the Mu variant resistant to existing vaccines?
“I’m not launching laboratory studies at all. I mean, there are some findings in laboratory studies that tell us that it needs to be monitored and that it has certain characteristics in its mutation that could represent that it’s more resistant to vaccines or “So I don’t underestimate it at all. I’m just saying we need to keep an eye on it and if that happens, we need to treat it. But we shouldn’t do it. the delta variant, “Delclos said.
We also spoke with health experts about developments in booster vaccines. Last month, the CDC announced its recommendation for a third dose of the COVID Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for immunocompromised individuals.
The Biden administration says booster vaccines may be available to all fully vaccinated Americans as soon as Sept. 20. However, the FDA and CDC are still reviewing the data before making a recommendation on the general population to get the third dose.
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Dr. Hana El Sahly of Baylor College of Medicine spoke with ABC13 to answer common third-dose questions.
Can you get a COVID-19 cooler from a manufacturer other than your first dose?
“It is recommended that they stay on the same regimen they started with. Therefore, if they receive the first two doses of Pfizer, the third should be Pfizer and the same with Moderna. That said, for any reason if they do not have access to it. “It’s okay to take another one if necessary,” El Sahly explained.
At this point, Pfizer’s reinforcements are likely to be ready by September 20, but Moderna may be behind.
Can you get a COVID-19 booster vaccine too soon?
Sahly and Delclos say the answer is yes.
“Your two doses, while we all wait for the booster dose, work. It’s not a total or zero thing. When it comes to booster, I’d advise people to pay close attention. Science does its job. Yes. go out and get the booster dose now, as far as we know, you are wasting a dose of vaccine because it may be too soon, so we hope science helps you and at the same time remember that what you have on board is already a lot, very effective, ”Delclos explained.
If you are completely vaccinated and not immunocompromised, why wait to receive a booster vaccine?
“At the moment, because we hope to see the need for it. In addition to whether it is safe and immunogenic in all groups. As a general rule in medicine, if you don’t need something, you don’t understand it, you don’t take it. Currently, if there is whether or not there is a need, it is being examined, “El Sahly said.
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