JN.1 Isn’t Vaccine-Immune! Latest US Vaccine Can Cut Its Infection Chances By Half: CDC | Weather.com – The Weather Channel

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Just last month, a study highlighted the alarming speed at which the highly contagious COVID variant JN.1 could spread, even among vaccinated individuals. Researchers attributed this heightened transmissibility to JN.1 being one of the most immune-evading variants of SARS-CoV-2 identified to date.

But now, early vaccine data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has offered a glimmer of hope. According to a report by CNN, data indicates that the latest COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by half.

Vaccine manufacturers had adapted their formulations to target the Omicron variant XBB.1.5 that was predominant in the US throughout much of 2023. Encouragingly, the new CDC data suggests that these updated vaccines also exhibit similar efficacy against JN.1.

The CDC report reveals that the updated COVID-19 vaccines provide 54% protection against symptomatic infection in recently vaccinated immunocompetent adults, compared to those who did not receive the updated vaccine. These findings are reassuring for all, even in the absence of data on vaccine effectiveness in immunocompromised individuals.

Despite this positive development, experts caution that the latest COVID-19 vaccines may not consistently prevent infections caused by JN.1 or other Omicron subvariants, but they can mitigate the severity of the disease. They emphasise that vaccination's aim isnt just preventing infection, but also reducing the seriousness of infections.

Turning to India's JN.1 situation, experts foresee a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the virus's spike protein mutation, which enhances its infectiousness. Indeed, the country is already witnessing an upward trend in infections, The Times of India reports.

Fortunately, JN.1 typically induces mild illness, primarily manifesting as upper respiratory symptoms. Moreover, the prevalence of hybrid immunity among the Indian population is sure to keep it reasonably protected.

Nevertheless, medical professionals advise against complacency, given the virus's propensity to mutate. While panic is unwarranted, adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviourmask-wearing, avoiding crowded settings and maintaining hand hygieneremains crucial.

Individuals with underlying health conditions and the elderly should exercise heightened caution to minimise the risk of infection. Normal life and travel must go on, albeit while maintaining vigilance and adhering to preventive measures.

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JN.1 Isn't Vaccine-Immune! Latest US Vaccine Can Cut Its Infection Chances By Half: CDC | Weather.com - The Weather Channel