WHO: Omicron variant more transmissible, lessens vaccine efficacy

According to WHO, the Omicron strain is more transmissible than the Delta variant in South Africa where Delta spread is low, and also spreads faster in other countries where Delta variant transmission is high, such as the United Kingdom.

“Given the current available data, it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs,” WHO said. 

🆕 Technical Brief & Priority Actions for Member States on enhancing readiness for Omicron https://t.co/tOu6iIvFZP #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/huPP4QFS35

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 12, 2021

The organization also noted that initial findings show the Omicron variant causes milder disease than the Delta strain, but more data is needed to confirm its severity.

RELATED: WHO: Omicron may cause milder disease than Delta

“While preliminary findings from South Africa suggest it may be less severe than Delta & all cases reported in the EU/EEA to date have been mild or asymptomatic, it remains unclear to what extent Omicron may be inherently less virulent. More data are needed,” read WHO’s technical brief.

Moreover, data suggests that vaccines may be less effective in preventing infection due to the mutations in spike protein found in the new variant.

“Preliminary evidence suggests a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection & transmission associated with Omicron,” WHO noted.

Since its detection in South Africa in November, the Omicron variant has been found in 63 countries so far. To combat the spread of the new strain, booster shots are urged in nations with ample vaccine supply.