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Covid-19 Study: Omicron Variant Is Immune to Immunisations, Antibody Therapies, and Boosters

According to a new study conducted by Columbia University researchers, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is “markedly resistant” to the current COVID-19 vaccines, antibody treatments, and booster shots, prompting experts to express concern about what the variant may do in the coming weeks if left untreated.

“We discovered that (omicron) was significantly resistant to neutralization by serum from convalescent patients, as well as from persons who had received one of the four widely used COVID-19 vaccines,” the researchers wrote.

According to the study, “even serum from people who had been vaccinated and boosted with mRNA-based vaccinations had significantly reduced neutralizing activity against B.1.1.529,” which was carried out by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the University of Hong Kong.

Additionally, according to the Columbia University study — which has not been peer-reviewed or edited for publication in a scientific journal, indicating that it is not conclusive data — monoclonal antibody combinations were shown to be ineffective against omicron.

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Indeed, as reported for the Deseret News, preliminary statistics and studies on the Omicron version indicate that the Omicron variant is associated with less severe COVID-19 symptoms and fewer hospitalizations among people infected with the virus.

Still, specialists advise getting vaccinated and getting a booster dose to ensure that you are protected against omicron.

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