Three spikes and it’s out. That is the hopeful message emerging from studies into how well vaccines are holding up to omicron, the fifth and latest COVID-19 variant of concern. Three doses of a vaccine, or two doses plus immunity gained from infection may produce sufficient antibodies to quash this unwelcome viral newcomer.

Omicron, found in 57 countries as of last week, has sparked deep concern since it was reported to the World Health Organisation in November. More than 30 mutations are clustered on the spike protein, the portion of the virus on which most vaccines are based. Rapidly filling hospital and paediatric wards in South Africa’s Gauteng Province, home to the first major outbreak, compounded those fears. The surge pointed to greater transmissibility, including among the previously infected or vaccinated, and among children.

Financial Times