No end of the pandemic in sight? SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach is now warning of another danger: Coronavirus mutations could become vaccine-resistant.
Germany – In a recent tweet, the SPD politician Karl Lauterbach, who is considered a “reminder” in the pandemic, now warns that the mutants could become a problem despite vaccinations. According to him, a new study by the renowned Harvard University gives cause for concern. This shows “the extent to which mutations like B1351 South Africa and P1 Brazil escape antibody formation through vaccination,” Lauterbach said on Twitter.
| Coronavirus | Sars-CoV-2 |
| Infectious disease | Covid-19 |
| common symptoms | Fever, cough, runny nose, loss of smell and taste |
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Karl Lauterbach (58, SPD): “Covid problem” is not solved by vaccination
Karl Lauterbach had just got into the Current hour criticized the return of students to face-to-face classes. In his opinion, due to the current infection rate, it is advisable to keep schools closed until Easter. Otherwise, “major outbreaks in schools and many affected parents can be expected,” said the epidemiologist.
In a recent tweet, he once again urges caution. He warns that “the Covid problem has not yet been solved with the existing vaccination options” (more information on the coronavirus in NRW on RUHR24.de).
Karl Lauterbach: Researchers at Harvard University show results on antibody protection
Of the Health expert of the SPD refers to research results of the University of Harvard on Twitter:
Karl Lauterbach on Twitter: “Covid problem” is not solved with the vaccinations.
© Twitter / Karl Lauterbach
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The scientists of the well-known university come to the conclusion in their prior publication that several SARS-CoV-2 variants can evade the antibody protection through the vaccinations. Such mutations of the coronavirus could – so the medical professionals fear – have a negative impact on the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Corona mutations: vaccine effective against B.1.1.7 – effect in B.1.351 and P.1 partially weakened
There are currently four main variants, three of which are listed by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as “Variant of Concern”:
- The British mutant B.1.1.7, which, according to the latest RKI report, already accounts for 55 percent of all new infections in Germany. It is much more contagious and dangerous, but the vaccines that have been approved to date are effective against this variant.
- The South African variant B.1.351 is also considered to be more contagious. In mid-March 2021, however, it was found in only one percent of all samples in Germany. In Saarland, however, their share already makes up 15 percent. This mutant worries researchers because it appears to be able to partially evade the body’s immune response, such as that which arises after an infection or vaccination. According to initial findings, the available vaccines are also less effective against B.1.351.
- The Brazilian mutation P.1., Of which only a few cases have been reported in Germany. Here, too, there are initial suspicions that it could weaken the immune response – both in convalescents and in those who have been vaccinated.
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Corona mutations: effectiveness of some vaccines in P.1. and B.1.351 attenuated
So while the approved vaccines against the British mutation, which is on the rise in Germany, are working well, researchers are concerned about the South African and Brazilian mutations.
As the Medical journal and the Pharmaceutical newspaper report, the effectiveness of the approved vaccines is assessed differently by physicians overall. The study data would partly contradict each other here. However, so far there has only been talk that the vaccinations against these two “worrying variants” could only be less effective, not entirely ineffective. In addition, mRNA vaccines such as those from BionTech / Pfizer can also be adapted relatively quickly to mutations.
Made for thousands of students #NRW from today it goes back to the #School. #SPD-Politician Karl #Lauterbach but now requests the immediate stop of the # Face-to-face teaching. https://t.co/v6II5qZDe1
– RUHR24 (@ RUHR24news) March 15, 2021
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Karl Lauterbach: Mutations could arise “against which one cannot vaccinate”
Karl Lauterbach goes even further in his tweet. He warns that we would have to drastically reduce the number of cases in order to master the situation. Because there would be other variants in addition to the known mutants.
According to Lauterbach, his concern would then be “that mutations will otherwise develop that cannot be vaccinated against.” And further: “You can see them in the laboratory.”
Category image: © Kay Nietfeld
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