Which COVID-19 variants are circulating in US?

Public health officials are urging Americans who haven’t yet been vaccinated against the coronavirus to seek out a shot amid concern regarding the Delta variant which is spreading rapidly in some parts of the U.S.

Alpha: The Alpha variant, which is also referred to as the B.1.1.7 variant and was initially detected in the U.K., was identified in the U.S. in December 2020. It’s classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the CDC, and is estimated to be about 50% more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain detected in the U.S., and has the potential for increased severity but has minimal impact on vaccine efficacy.  Beta: The Beta variant, which is also referred to as the B.1.351 variant and was initially detected in South Africa, was first identified in the U.S. at the end of January 2021. It’s classified as a VOC by the CDC, and is estimated to be about 50% more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain detected in the U.S. Health officials said it significantly reduces impact of certain monoclonal antibody treatments, but remains susceptible to others. It may reduce vaccine efficacy.