It's not over yet

Now we have the Lambda variant of COVID-19. This was supposedly first detected in Peru last December 2020. Peru is ranked 19th in the number of cases. This June of 2021, the World Health Organization designated it as a variant of interest as opposed to a variant of concern. But what concerns me is the suggestion that this variant is more infectious and more resistant to COVID-19 vaccines. And I just got my second dose.

Scientists are closely studying this variant. But with the way our luck is going with this virus, it might not be long before we start worrying about it. If it seems more resistant to current vaccines, what now? Luckily, studies from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine looked at the effect of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against the Lambda variant and found “a two-to-threefold reduction in vaccine-elicited antibodies compared with the original virus.” The same is true for the Sinovac vaccine. What this means is it did not completely wipe out the antibodies that fight COVID. There is enough, along with the immune system of the body to keep the Lambda variant at bay. This is why this is a variant of interest and scientists are watching it closely to see if it mutates into anything else.

Delta is still the variant of concern as it continues to spread in countries all over the world. There are currently no indications as to whether a booster shot for all the respective vaccines is warranted though there are some who say it is needed six months after the last dose. I would like to see the scientific basis for a statement like this and not coming from a manufacturer for obvious reasons. Studies show all available vaccines are effective against COVID. As to how long is the next question but for now, those fully vaccinated are in a safer place than those who are not. Watching our borders is of utmost importance. The supposed spread of the Lambda variant to other countries has been associated with travelers. Traveling to another country just because you want to isn't just inconsiderate, it is dangerous.

The evidence showing this virus is still in the process of mutating is overwhelming. We are now using four letters of the Greek alphabet. Their alphabet has twenty-four letters. I hope we don't go through all of them. The world must be thankful for all the vaccines manufactured. Though I believe these current vaccines are a band-aid solution since it does not offer lifelong immunity. Vaccines take years, even decades to develop. The dengue virus has four types and it took a manufacturer years to develop a vaccine. It may take years before we see a vaccine that offers lifelong immunity. In the meantime, we should all take what's available and continue to practice the usual health protocols. It's not over yet.