Undoubtedly there is going to be a lot of conversation surrounding the new viral variants. This is me being completely transparent when I say this: please don’t panic. The most important thing we can do is prevent the virus from spreading. Let me elaborate.

It will take a large amount of genetic diversity to completely render these vaccines useless. These mutations have not been able to alter the S protein’s shape to the extent that the vaccine-induced antibodies provided by these vaccines are not able to bind at all.

Remember these vaccines (especially these using the whole spike protein) make polyclonal antibody responses. This means that the antibodies created will be able to bind the Coronavirus’ spike in multiple places not just one. Hence a broader range of protection even with changes.

We have many tools to prevent the virus from spreading. Physical barriers (masks), social distancing, and proper hand hygiene. We also have effective vaccines that need to be used immediately. We want and need more protected people and fewer susceptible people. Simple as that.

If the virus doesn’t spread it doesn’t mutate. It needs us, as a host, and our cells to do this. If we don’t give it that, it can’t spread nor mutate. With the vaccines, if the neutralizing activity of vaccine sera goes down too much the vaccines can be replaced and modified.