I believe it's only a 'variant of interest' vs. a 'variant of concern' because it's not as transmissible as the Delta variant, which seems to be dominating new cases. Let's hope Mu stays that way!
It's unlikely we'll stop seeing new variants until enough people are vaccinated worldwide that the numbers of infected persons decline dramatically, as each case is another opportunity for mutations to happen. What I think may be more likely - at least for the next few years - is that new boosters will include modifications needed to deal with new variants. But I don't think anyone can really know for sure at this point. Hopefully the mRNA technology will continue to lend itself to rapid adaptation to different kinds of mutations. It might end up being like the flu shot, where it varies a little bit each year, and we need an annual shot. |
