The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine was able to combat the Brazil variant of COVID-19, it has been revealed. Scientists tested the blood of people who had received the jab and found it fared well against a laboratory made version of the virus similar to the one first discovered in Brazil. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could calm fears about the P.1 variant, which has been found to spread more quickly than other types of the coronavirus since it emerged in South America. Scientists from the two medical companies and the University of Texas created a version of the virus that had the same spike protein mutations as the P.1 variant. This is what was tested in the blood of those who had been vaccinated. Advertisement The spike protein is the part of the virus used to get into human cells, and many of the vaccines target this part of the virus. The scientists found the antibodies from the blood was able to neutralise the test virus. More from Covid-19 University students in England can return home over Easter – but are urged not to COVID-19: Pavement licences for pubs, restaurants and cafes extended to help hospitality… Read full this story
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