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.
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.