Colombian variant may partially evade Covid vaccines just like Beta, health chiefs warn... but they insist there's NO proof it will outcompete highly-infectious Delta By Emily Craig Health Reporter For Mailonline Published: 16:49 BST, 6 August 2021 | Updated: 16:55 BST, 6 August 2021 Viewcomments Covid jabs are ‘less effective’ against the new Colombia strain, official documents warned today. The new variant - known scientifically as B.1.621 - is thought to have originated in Colombia and was deemed a 'variant under investigation' in England last month. Reports published by Public Health England today reveal protection gained from a previous infection or vaccines ‘may be less effective’ against the mutation. But PHE said the finding is based on preliminary laboratory evidence, so data is ‘very limited and more research is required’. There is ‘no evidence’ to suggest that the variant is more transmissible than the dominant Delta strain, the report states. So far scientists have found 37 cases of the variant in England, with eight of those spotted in the last week. Infections linked with the strain have been spotted in six regions of the country, but most have been in London. Health chiefs upgraded the mutation to a variant under investigation in July after it spread to the UK and scientists spotted worrying mutations. These include E484K mutation, which can help it escape antibodies against other variants and is also found on the Beta and Gamma variants of concern. It also has the N501Y which could help it spread more easily and is also found on the Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility