The omicron variant of COVID-19 reduces the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease and was found to be more contagious in a study conducted by Discovery Health. The study further found that individuals who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus have boosted protection.

While researchers continue to discover more about the Omicron variant – which was first detected in South Africa last month- it continues to strengthen its grip around the world. 90% of the cases in South Africa have detected the new variant.

Also Read: Booster shots improves protection against omicron, increases antibodies: Report

Meanwhile, the Delta variant is still the dominant strain in the United States. At least 30 states in the country have reported the virus.

The study, which was conducted by South Africa’s biggest private health insurance organisation, concluded that two doses of Pfizer’s COVID vaccine are only 33% protective against the omicron variant, according to reports from USA Today. The vaccine showed an efficacy rate of 90% against the original variant.

However, data suggested that a 70% protection was seen against severe cases.

South Africa’s 7-day rolling average of daily new cases has risen over the past two weeks from 7.6 new cases per 100,000 people on November 28 to 32.7 new cases per 100,000 people on December 12, according to reports from Associated Press citing data from Johns Hopkins University.

Also Read: Pfizer COVID-19 booster effective against omicron: Israeli study

The omicron variant has been detected in more than 70% of the new cases since mid-November, experts said.

The omicron variant of coronavirus seems to be resulting in milder cases and fewer hospitalisations in comparison to the Delta variant, which is responsible for the high death toll. 

Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African President, tested positive for COVID-19 days after the country’s health regulators cleared Pfizer’s shot to be used as a booster dose.