How are COVID-19 (Wuhan Virus) variants classified?

WHO has classified them as Variants of Interest (VOI) and Variants of Concern (VOC).
Here is a list from the WHO site mentioned in this post.

Variants of Interest:

Variants of Concern:

Mayo Clinic seems to think that the vaccines developed for COVD-19 are not so efficient against the mutations observed in the variants. 

Hence there is movement to create booster shots which translates to more business for the vaccine makers. Are we seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, or the tunnel is bifurcating in all directions?

Variants causing concern in the US (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/covid-variant/faq-20505779) are:

"Alpha. (B.1.1.7). This COVID-19 variant appears to spread more easily and might have an increased risk of hospitalization and death.

Beta (B.1.351). This variant appears to spread more easily. It also reduces the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody medications and the antibodies generated by a previous COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccine.

Gamma (P.1). This variant reduces the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody medications and the antibodies generated by a previous COVID-19 infection or a COVID-19 vaccine.

Epsilon (B.1.427). This variant appears to spread more easily. It reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccine.

Epsilon (B.1.429). This variant appears to spread more easily. It reduces the effectiveness of antibodies generated by a previous COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccine.

Delta (B.1.617.2). This variant appears to spread more easily. It might reduce the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody treatments and the antibodies generated by a COVID-19 vaccine."

Colombian Variant:

The B.1.621 variant has been reported in 26 different countries and territories since it was first recorded by the World Health Organization, including the U.S.

https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/

FDA recommends J&J vaccine (AD26) for emergency use authorization

Source: CNBC

The decision is non-binding but timely for ramping up of vaccinations. The single-shot, J and J vaccine (clinical name AD26) has been recommended for emergency use. This third COVID-19 vaccine should be available next week in the USA. Operation-wise, J&J vaccine is easier than the others already used to vaccinate people (Pfizer and Moderna). The vaccine has demonstrated effectiveness which appears to differ from site to site: 72% effectiveness in the USA; 66% in Latin America and 57% in South Africa. 

The great news about this vaccine is, it is single-dose. Just imagine what it takes for two doses given a month apart, imagine the savings of all sorts. Also, it can be stored betwen 36 to 46 deg F and again appreciate the savings.

The initial doses of this vaccine going out to the states and other organizations is estimated between 3 and 4 million. J and J is expected to provide some 20 million doses by the end of March.

The J and J vaccine may be better against the B.1.351 strain from South Africa. The two other vacciness are less effective against this strain.

How does J&J vaccine work:

This is a quote from the source below the quote:

"The J&J vaccine is what is known as a non-replicating viral vector vaccine, using a common cold virus called adenovirus 26.

Scientists made this vaccine by taking a small amount of genetic material that codes for a piece of the novel coronavirus and integrating it with a weakened version of adenovirus 26. J&J scientists altered this adenovirus so it can enter cells, but it cannot replicate and make people sick."

[https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/how-the-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine-works-and-why-it-s-important/ar-BB1ddvPZ]

More here on the FDA recommendation:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/fda-panel-unanimously-recommends-third-covid-vaccine-as-j-26j-wins-key-vote-in-path-to-emergency-use/ar-BB1e3GJ5?ocid=uxbndlbing



https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/fda-panel-unanimously-recommends-third-covid-vaccine-as-j-26j-wins-key-vote-in-path-to-emergency-use/ar-BB1e3GJ5?ocid=uxbndlbing