News > Omicron reportedly has 30+ mutations in spike protein region, may bypass vaccines: AIIMS chief

Omicron reportedly has 30+ mutations in spike protein region, may bypass vaccines: AIIMS chief

The new Omicron variant of coronavirus has reportedly got over 30 mutations in the spike protein region giving it the potential to develop an immune escape mechanism, and thus the efficacy of vaccines against it needs to be evaluated critically, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guelria has said.

The presence of spike protein facilitates a virus’ entry into the host cell and is responsible for making it transmissible and causing infection.