Unveiling the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

The global coronavirus pandemic has profoundly impacted populations worldwide, leading to widespread illness and mortality. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a global emergency and issued medical guidelines to mitigate the virus's spread. The pharmaceutical industry, educational sectors, and various governments have united in an unprecedented effort to develop and test multiple vaccines swiftly, aiming to control the pandemic and restore global stability. Companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, and GlaxoSmithKline have successfully developed vaccines. However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates, leading to new variants that differ from the original strain, as is typical with viruses. Recent findings indicate that three new coronavirus variants found in several countries may be more severe, evade the immune system better, and show a reduced response to neutralising antibodies. This situation poses a challenge for communicators who must accurately convey the risks and benefits, promote continued caution among vaccinated individuals, and maintain trust in public health measures. Despite the mutations, protection against severe forms of the disease remains robust.