The coronavirus vaccine will not be less effective for the new SARS-CoV-2 strain, previously discovered in several European countries. This was stated by the head of Ministry of Health FRG Jens Span on the air of ZDF TV channel.
“As of Sunday, including the results of negotiations between representatives of various European structures with the participation of the Institute Robert Koch , we know it doesn’t affect the vaccine,” he said.
According to the minister, there is currently no information about the lesser vulnerability of the new coronavirus strain for the drug against COVID-19.
Earlier, German epidemiologist Karl Lauterbach warned about the dangerous consequences of the new mutation of the virus. Firstly, a new infection can lead to higher risks of infection, and secondly, to the emergence of new, even more dangerous variants of the virus.
Earlier in the Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and Italy a new strain of coronavirus was discovered – the same as previously found in the UK. Experts recalled that the new type of coronavirus is spreading faster than the already known, but it is still impossible to talk about its greater danger. In addition, there is no evidence that the mutation of the virus reacts differently to the vaccine.
On December 14, UK Health Minister Matthew Hancock reported that a a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 that spreads faster than the original form. The virus is more easily transmitted from person to person and therefore more contagious, he said.