Context:
Recently WHO declared JN.1, a sub-variant of COVID-19 as variant of interest.
What are Variants?
- When usual virus change and become significantly different to a previously detected virus form, this new virus types is known as variant.
- It is a viral genome (genetic code) that may contain one or more mutations.
What are the classifications of variants?
- Variants Under Monitoring (VUM)
- Variant of Interest (VOI)
- Variant of Concern (VOC)
- Variant of High Consequences (VOHCs)
Variant of Interest (VOI):
- It is used to describe a SARS-CoV-2 variant with changes that are known to affect how the virus behaves.
- Procedure –
- WHO is required to review global epidemiology, monitor and track global spread, facilitate the sharing of virus isolates via WHO Bio-hub.
- WHO also coordinates laboratory investigations with Member States and partners if needed.
- 3 parameters for Indication of VOI –
- Genomic surveillance
- How a VOI spreads
- Variant’s clinical behaviour
Variants Under Monitoring (VUM):
- A term used to signal public health authorities that a SARS-CoV-2 variant may require prioritized attention and monitoring.
Variant of Concern (VOC):
- The VOC associates it with more severe disease or increased transmissibility.
- Eligibility (at least 1 of the following characteristics to be classified as a VOC) –
- Detrimental change in clinical disease severity.
- Change in COVID-19 epidemiology causing a substantial impact on the ability of health systems.
- Significant decrease in the effectiveness of available vaccines in protecting against severe disease.
- Variants of Concern identified by WHO – Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta.
Variant of High Consequences (VOHCs):
- If the variant has clear evidence that prevention, measures or medical countermeasures (MCMs) have significantly reduced effectiveness relative to previously circulating variant.
- No SARS-CoV-2 variants have been classified as VOHCs.
Source: Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield but not using mRNA platform. It has been prepared using the viral vector platform.
