Will we need new vaccines for Omicron? Here's what vaccine makers say

Will the present Covid-19 vaccines protect you against the Omicron variant of the virus that has created a global scare?

Well, scientists are studying the virus, but vaccine makers are already at work to adapt their shots to the virus that's considered to be highly infectious.

Pfizer, alongwith its partners BioNTech, plans to ship the new version of their shot within 100 days, Bloomberg has reported.

US-based vaccine maker Moderna expects a similar time-frame for a new vaccine tailored for 'Omicron'. It will possibly be available by early next year, Moderna's chief medical officer Paul Burton has told BBC.

Scientists, however, say they need more time to study the virus to come to any conclusion. There is still little clarity on its infectious nature, the severity of the disease it causes, and how well vaccines protect against it.

The World Health Organization said the overall risk from Omicron was "very high" and warned that any major surge would put pressure on health systems and cause more deaths.

Also Watch: Symptoms unfamiliar but mild: doctor who detected Omicron variant