Vaccine makers are racing to update their COVID-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed, just in case. Experts doubt today's shots will become useless but say it's critical to see how fast companies could produce a reformulated dose and prove it works -- because whatever happens with omicron, this newest mutant won't be last. Omicron is pulling fire alarm. Whether it turns out to be a false alarm, it would be really good to know if we can actually do this -- get a new vaccine rolled out and be ready, said immunologist E John Wherry of University of Pennsylvania. It's too soon to know how vaccines will hold up against omicron.
The first hints this week were mixed: Preliminary lab tests suggest two Pfizer doses may not prevent an omicron infection but they could protect against severe illness. And a booster shot may rev up immunity enough to do both.APBetter answers are expected in coming weeks and regulators in US and other countries are keeping a close watch. The WHO has appointed an independent scientific panel to advise on whether the shots need reformulating because of omicron or any other mutant.