Covid: Vaccines should work against Omicron variant, WHO says

Covid: Vaccines should work against Omicron variant, WHO says Existing vaccines should still protect people who contract the Omicron variant from severe Covid cases, a World Health Organization (WHO) official says.

It comes as the first lab tests of the new variant in South Africa suggest it can partially evade the Pfizer jab.

Researchers say there was a "very large drop" in how well the vaccine's antibodies neutralised the new strain. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Early signs Omicron spreads more easily, says No 10 BBC News
• Covid booster jab booking system opens to over-40s in England BBC News
• Downing Street party: No 10 staff joked about party amid lockdown restrictions BBC News
• Nearly 70 Spanish medics Covid positive after Christmas party BBC News
• UK's Covid cases spike again amid growing Omicron wave The Daily Mail
• Boris insists booster roll-out going FASTER than planned but data shows barely any improvement The Daily Mail
• Wearing a mask is better than social distancing in EVERY scenario, study finds The Daily Mail
• Omicron significantly reduces Covid antibodies generated by Pfizer vaccine, study finds The Daily Telegraph
• UK races to deliver booster jabs before Omicron takes hold The Guardian
• NHS recruits more staff to ‘ramp up’ Covid booster rollout The Guardian
• It’s not too late for the British government to develop an effective Covid strategy | Gabriel Scally The Guardian
• UK could reach 90,000 infections a day by Christmas, experts warn The Independent