[davak]

This was not testing against the South African and Japan/Brazil variants that are much more likely to escape vaccination antibodies. This UK variant is mostly problematic against the unvaccinated.

In the lab the South Africa and Japan/Brazil variants have severe reduction in neutralizing antibodies which is very concerning for vaccine escape. That being said, we don’t have a great way to test for T cell and other immunity which also plays a role. Getting the vaccine decreases severity of illness regardless of the variant.

The answer is get any vaccine as soon as possible. Then get the booster too when it’s available.