While the virus has mutated in some areas, most vaccines target multiple parts. In the UK variant, one mutation has made the virus more likely to bind with human proteins called receptors. The WHO has highlighted that this deletion can affect the performance of some RT-PCR tests that detect the novel coronavirus. Don't miss from Explained | Why coronavirus in Antarctica isn’t an Indian worry yetWill it impact vaccine development? “The virus would likely need to accumulate multiple mutations in the spike protein to evade immunity induced by vaccines or by natural infection,” it has said.

Source: Indian Express December 24, 2020 19:52 UTC