Diseases & conditions

Omicron Vaccines Deing Developed, Sub-Varriant Emerges

FEB 5 2022·Updated DEC 14 2024

Story

Image credit: AP Images [via USA Today]

The Facts

Pfizer and BioNTech will run three simultaneous trials in adults ages 18-55 to determine if an Omicron-specific vaccine is more effective than current shots.
USA Today
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said an Omicron vaccine will be ready in March, and the company is already manufacturing doses.
CNBC
Moderna has also started a similar trial, after confirming that antibodies against Omicron wane after 6 months with its current third shot.
Al Jazeera
A potentially more contagious sub-variant, dubbed "BA.2", has also been identified in 40 countries but has yet to be classified as a "variant of concern".
CBS News

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Omicron is leading to a global surge in breakout cases. Omicron-specific vaccines are prudent and could help with future variants.

NPR

Narrative B

Vaccines and boosters are great, but Omicron is mild and spreading too quickly to be stopped. We should aim for natural herd immunity and vaccinate only the vulnerable. Resistance is futile.