LISTEN: Does vaccination protect you against Omicron variant? Prof Tulio advises...
South Africa was the first to announce the discovery of the new COVID-19 variant.
Last week, the entire world was alerted of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, which was confirmed by the South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla, following a steady rise of infections over a period of eight days.
Our very own Professor Tulio de Oliveira from University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), reported then that the variant has a very high number of mutations with a concern over its predicted immune evasion and transmissibility.
LISTEN: Prof Tulio shares why a fourth wave of COVID-19 is predicted in Dec/Jan
We made sure to bring back one of the world's top virologists, Professor Tulio de Oliveira, to answer some of the questions regarding safety amidst the rise of the new COVID-19 variant.
It has become one of the trending topics of the world for obvious reasons.
We asked the good Professor whether we should be as worried about this variant as Delta?
READ MORE: Worried about the long-term effects of the vaccine? Prof Tulio explains
As some variants have been discovered and slowly become less effective, one of the other questions is whether the same will happen with this variant.
He shares Omicron's mutation rate and the effective ways to stay safe especially with the holiday season ahead.
Is the blame to be placed on unvaccinated people in terms of new variants coming up? Find out in the podcast below as Prof Tulio gives his expert advice.
READ MORE: "If I take too long to get my second jab, will the first wear off?"
He also answers the most important question being asked; whether you are safe from the COVID-19 variant if you are vaccinated.
Take a listen:
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