Will the current vaccines protect against the new variant strains of COVID-19? How will the vaccines be adapted to address the new variants?

This is the million-dollar question right now. Current views suggest that the available vaccines will provide protection against the new variant strains of COVID-19; however, it still isn’t completely known how much protection. Recent studies have yielded some data, but more work is being done to understand this more. One particular variant that is being thoroughly examined is the B.1.351 variant identified in South Africa, which carries mutations that may only slightly dampen the potency of virus-neutralizing antibodies. 

How vaccines will be adapted, if necessary, will depend on the vaccine. As new vaccines are approved, customized adaptations may be necessary. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from the mRNA instructions they include. These currently available instructions are mostly related to the variant first identified in Wuhan, China, which is the target and focus of the protective immune response they induce. Although more information is needed about the efficacy of the currently available vaccines against variants, some possibilities for adaptations may involve exchanging or even adding mRNA instructions into the vaccines that are more specific to spike proteins of the variants. These activities are early in the exploration phases.

How often will we need a booster if new variants keep appearing?

This is a very important question; however, it is one that we just don’t know the answer to yet. Many in the field will suggest the likelihood for booster vaccines at some point, whether it be for simply a “boost” in already existing immunity or a booster dose that is more specific for a variant. Discussions related to COVID-19 vaccine updates are just beginning, and these are active areas of inquiry, research and development. 

Once people have had both doses of the vaccine, how long does the protection last?

We don’t yet know how long protection lasts follow receipt of 2^nd doses of mRNA vaccines. Hopefully, in the next couple of months, such data will be available as early participants in the clinical trials for these vaccines reach their one-year period since receiving them. 

Can people who are vaccinated spread the virus to others, if exposed, even though they themselves are protected?

It is still strongly recommended that all people, vaccinated or not vaccinated, continue to wear masks and practice social distancing when possible. Much of the data generated from clinical trials on the existing COVID-19 vaccine demonstrate that they are very effective at preventing disease in most people. However, how that translates into preventing spread is still not completely known. Furthermore, it is possible that not everyone’s immune response will generate such high levels of protections or that some people may not respond much to the vaccine at all. Such variability in individual responses can happen with vaccines, so these same possibilities are considered for COVID-19 vaccines. 

Now that the vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide, have there been any negative effects doctors have noticed? Is it as safe as they thought previously?

Safety of vaccines are always put at the highest level of priority, and the COVID-19 vaccines are no exception to this standard. As such, the side effects of these vaccines are continuously being monitored and reported. The most commonly reported side effects currently still match those that were reported in the clinical trial data. These include fever, headache, fatigue and soreness at the site of injection. There have been some rare side effects related to allergic reactions to the vaccines. Although this has mostly been seen in people with prior experiences with other vaccine reactions or to components of the COVID-19 vaccine, many centers giving vaccines now include 10- to 30-minute observation periods following receipt of the vaccine. In cases where someone has a history of vaccine reactions, they are advised to discuss first with a health care provider before receiving the vaccine. 

How long after a bout with COVID-19 should people be vaccinated?

It is strongly recommended that those actively sick with COVID-19 or those just recovered take time to fully recover and no longer be in isolation before receiving the vaccine. Currently, it is recommended that these individuals wait 90 days before receiving the vaccine. Such a timeline for delaying receipt of the vaccine is because there is data to support that natural immunity from infection is generated and that reinfection is unlikely in most people for at least 90 days. Given this information, in addition to the limited vaccine supply for everyone including those who lack any immunity to the virus, a wait time of 90 days is often suggested in those recovered from COVID-19.