UAE expert says data suggest new COVID-19 variant unlikely to affect vaccines

Most of the data about the faster-spreading COVID-19 variant suggest it is unlikely to have any impact on the vaccines against the virus.

That's according to Dr Wael Faroug Elamin, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor at King's College Hospital in Dubai, who spoke to DubaiEye 103.8's Business Breakfast on Tuesday. 

He said the information on the new strain shows the urgency for people who are at risk to get vaccinated, and added that everyone should keep on observing the precautionary pandemic precautionary measures.

Dr Wael outlined the key difference with the faster-spreading variant of the virus, but said it's producing the same symptoms in patients.

He stressed that getting the COVID-19 virus is much worse than receiving the vaccine and described the scenes that medical staff have witnessed on medical wards.

Dr Wael said the COVID-19 virus will continue to mutate. Despite this, it might not become more virulent because it's not in the virus' interest to kill the host.

Responding to questions from Muslims who are concerned about the COVID-19 vaccines containing gelatin, he recommended that they should speak to their Imams and seek local advice.