New variants of the COVID-19 virus have emerged in the UK and South Africa.

In particular, the UK variant has started spreading rapidly around the world causing alarm to the WHO and the global community. This reality has compelled the UK to impose its third countrywide lockdown. Some countries like France have extended their border closures to the UK and Brisbane has entered a three-day lockdown after finding a case of the UK variant. 

Virus mutations are not uncommon, and the vast majority have little impact. However, once in a while a 'super mutation' occurs. In the UK variant, 14 defining mutations have been found, including specific changes to a spike protein which caused the virus to bind more strongly to our cells. These changes have made the UK variant 50-70% more infectious than the original strain - although it does not appear to be causing more severe harm.

Now the question arises - will existing vaccines still be effective against new strains of the coronavirus? Laboratories are racing to find the answer. Pfizer has affirmed that its internal studies show that its vaccine is effective against the new variants, whereas studies of Moderna's and AstraZeneca's vaccines are still underway. For now, experts generally believe that the existing vaccines will work for a while, and in future, coronavirus vaccines will need to be regularly updated in a way similar to how flu vaccines are reviewed every year.