This post summarises what we know (so far) about Lineage B.1.617, the so-called "double mutant" COVID-19 variant first discovered in India in October last year. Of particular concern are two questions - is it responsible for the rapid escalation of the virus in India, and are vaccines effective against it.
The discovery in the UK of a new covid-19 mutation which spreads 70% more rapidly has caused equity markets worldwide to tank sharply, with the sensex and European indices among the worst hit. Crude Oil, Airline stocks and the British Pound were also among the hardest hit assets.
With five covid-19 vaccines already deployed, and over 200 in development, an individual may be able to choose more than one of these - once the initial backlog is cleared. There have been no scientific studies on whether such an action would provide greater immunity, but it is generally believed it would - not unlike the booster shots which are already being given in more familiar vaccines.
This is a useful page on the CDC website which provides the records of past incidents where apparent side-effects were linked to the vaccine. The study in most cases showed no correlation.
IBM analysts have found evidence of a large scale hacking operation targeting the covid-19 vaccine supply chain. It has the bearings of a state-directed operation.
Moderna has become the third company to report promising results from their vaccine this week, following announcements by Pfizer and BioNtech, and Russia's (controversial) Sputnik V.