Abstract

Introduction: The latest variant of SARS COV-2 has been identified in South Africa for the first time and was subsequently reported to the World Health Organization on 24th November 2021. A couple of days later, the WHO named this variant Omicron as well as declared it to be a Variant of Concern (VoC). This variant evolved during a crucial phase of the current pandemic where vaccination-induced immunity development has been kept as the topmost priority to combat the current scenario. Areas Covered: Approximately 50 genomic mutations have rendered this variant as more transmissible with larger replicating potentiality, as well as acquiring an immune escape property with additional features of vaccine-based innate immunity and a monoclonal antibody neutralizing capability. Information on its disease transmissibility as well as the disease severity caused by this new variant is still limited. Heterogenous data is available regarding its vaccine neutralizing capability as well as the impact on the clinical outcome by treating the variant with monoclonal antibodies. All leading vaccine manufacturers are putting in their best efforts to introduce new versions of the available Covid vaccines at the earliest point possible to counteract this new strain. Commentary: In spite of this, all international health regulatory bodies believe that Covid Appropriate Behaviors (CAB) still remain the most important step in reducing the mortality, morbidity, and further spread of this new variant.

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