Newstalk Breakfast Highlights
First cases of a new Covid-19 variant of concern detected in the Republic
May 23, 2022
Professor of Experimental Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, Kingston Mills, discusses the detection of the new Covid-19 variant BA.4 in Ireland, its mutations, and vaccine effectiveness. The podcast also covers the implications of a more transmissible variant displacing Omicron and the concerns surrounding monkeypox.
05:49
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- New Covid-19 variant B8.4 in Ireland is more transmissible but does not cause more severe disease.
- Monkeypox, although fatal, is not as transmissible as other viruses and can be controlled with the smallpox vaccine.
Deep dives
COVID-19 Variant B8.4 Detected in Ireland
The podcast episode discusses the detection of the new COVID-19 variant B8.4 in Ireland, a sub-lineage of the dominant Omicron strain. Professor Kingston Mills explains that while the variant is more transmissible, it does not appear to cause more severe disease. Vaccines are still effective in preventing severe illness, although three doses may not prevent infection. Despite concerns, a significant surge in cases is not expected due to decreasing infection rates in Ireland.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
