The emergence of new, more infectious coronavirus variants around the world has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing treatments and vaccines. Rochelle Walensky, who has been nominated by President-elect Joe Biden to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warned that at least one variant of the virus is known to be resistant to antibody therapy, but insisted that the vaccine remains effective. She also called on Biden to make sure the public is aware of the virus. She also called on Biden to ensure that the public health system has the resources to do so effectively.
Variant virus resistant to new crown antibodies once used to treat Trump
In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Wolenski discussed the reported resistance of the South African variant of the virus to antibody therapy, confirming that she had heard of something similar involving the antibody REGN-COV2, the Regeneron drug company’s “antibody cocktail” that was used to treat President Trump. I think the concern is not only for the South African and Brazilian variants, but also for other variants that may emerge in the future that may be resistant to antibodies. It’s not (making antibody therapy) completely ineffective, but it will weaken the efficacy.”
In response to concerns that all treatments and vaccines are ineffective against mutated viruses, Wolenski said most of these concerns are unfounded. Wolenski continued, so far, the British variant of the virus has a stronger transmission, but there is no information to reflect the vaccine is not effective against this variant.
Called for early identification of variants of the commitment to ensure that the transmission rate is reduced before resuming classes
Wolenski talked about ways to deal with the variants, preferably by finding them as soon as possible, and called on Biden to ensure that the public health system has the necessary resources.
Resuming classes as soon as possible is one of Biden’s main goals for his first 100 days in office, but the new variant of the virus raises concerns about whether schools are adequately prepared. Wolenski said the government will look carefully to ensure that school staff can be vaccinated and that transmission rates have declined since Biden took office before pushing for a mass resumption of classes.
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