Global health authorities are scrambling to collect information about a new coronavirus variant discovered in South Africa that appears to both be extremely contagious and possess an “unusual constellation” of mutations that could challenge the effectiveness of available vaccines.

The emergence of the variant has already roiled financial markets and led many nations to impose travel restrictions. Sajid Javid, the U.K.’s health minister is saying the new variant “is of huge international concern.” In the United States, Dr. Anthony Fauci calling news about the variant “a red flag.” The variant appears to have at least 50 mutations, including as many as 10 on the spike protein that plays a key role in the virus’ ability to enter human cells. Andy Slavitt, who served as the Biden administration’s Senior Advisor for Covid Response, tweets that the new variant’s “mutation profile” is driving concerns among scientists that “neither prior immunity nor a vaccine will be effective — or as effective— at preventing spread & infection.”

If the new variant is found to evade the current vaccines, the shots may have to be re-engineered. Slavitt tweets that both Pfizer and Moderna can likely come up with new vaccine formulations in as little as 100 days — but that bottlenecks in approvals, manufacturing and distribution mean targeted new drugs would likely not be available until next summer.

From Dr. Topol’s mouth to Our ears.

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” – Matthew 11:15 King James Version