Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines likely effective against Indian coronavirus variant, researchers suggest

Coronavirus vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna appeared to remain effective against a subtype of the Indian virus variant, according to early findings presented Tuesday from researchers at Emory University. 

The team of researchers tested two dozen blood samples from previously infected individuals, and samples from 10 individuals who received Pfizer’s two-dose shot, and 15 samples from people who received Moderna’s two-dose shot. The study found that 79% of samples from previously infected individuals, and all blood samples from vaccinated individuals, blocked the Indian virus variant. In other words, about 20% of samples from previously infected individuals lost their ability to block the Indian variant. The samples were collected about one to three months after individuals recovered from COVID-19 symptom onset, and the samples from vaccinated individuals were collected about 20 to 50 days post-second dose of mRNA vaccine, researchers said. "This suggests that protective immunity by the mRNA vaccines tested here are likely retained against the B.1.617.1 variant," the study reads. "As the B.1.617.1 variant continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how additional mutations within the spike impact antibody resistance, viral transmission and vaccine efficacy."