The Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech is effective in protecting against two new mutant variants that spreading rapidly across the UK, according to new research.
The pharmaceutical giant and researchers from the University of Texas carried out lab tests on the strains, one of which was found in the UK while the other originated in South Africa.
The variants contain mutations including N501Y, an alteration in the spike protein of the virus, which is a target for vaccines.
In the new study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, blood samples were taken from 20 people who received the Pfizer vaccine. Laboratory studies found that the samples had neutralising levels of antibodies which worked against the new strains.
Officials have been particularly concerned over the new variant, found primarily in the London and the south east of England as well as in Wales, as it has been found to be more transmissable than the original virus.
The variant is believed to be around 70% more infectious and is now circulating in every part of Wales, according to the Welsh Government.
However, officials say there is no evidence that it leads to a more severe form of the virus.
Its rapid spread was one of the major factors in the Welsh Government's decision to plunge Wales back into a national lockdown from December 20.
According to the latest data from Public Health Wales, nearly 50,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccinations have been administered across Wales.
This is the total of both the Pfizer BioNTech vaccines given as well as the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.
The data, for the week up to January 3, shows that a total of 49,428 doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been given to people.
Nearly all of these were first doses of the vaccine, which is given in two separate jabs. Only 25 people have so far received their second dose, meaning they should now be fully immunised against the virus.
