What's New

RESPONDING TO COVID-19 SUB-VARIANTS

The Issue:

• Since the initial report of the novel coronavirus in 2019, the virus has undergone numerous changes, resulting in over 1,000 subvariants and recombinant sub-lineages.
• The emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron variant is part of the expected evolution of the virus, with genetic alterations in its genome leading to new classifications.

Source: COVID communication Network

Key Highlights:

• Status :1, designated a Variant of Interest (VoI), triggers increased genomic sequencing and monitoring by health agencies.

• Health Hazards : While JN.1 does not currently show evidence of causing severe disease or immune escape.
• Vaccine Response : Current scientific evidence supports existing COVID-19 vaccines and hybrid immunity from natural infections against sub variants.
• Impact : Globally, cases emerge in the US, Europe, Singapore, and China.
• Impact on India: India reports JN.1 cases from Kerala and Goa.

Public Health Impact and Vaccines:

• WHO states no evidence of additional public health risk from JN.1, but with the winter onset, it could heighten respiratory infections globally.
• Assures existing vaccines continue to protect against severe illness and death caused by JN.1.