Beta Variant in France a ‘Threat’ as It May Evade Immune Response, UK Expert Warns

Beta Variant in France a ‘Threat’ as It May Evade Immune Response, UK Expert Warns
A nurse administrates the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Thibaut Razafinarivo, 26, in a vaccination center in Versailles, west of Paris, on July 13, 2021. Constantin Gouvy /AP Photo
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The Beta variant of coronavirus spreading in France poses a “threat” to the UK with evidence suggesting it may evade the effect of vaccines, a scientist involved in advising the government has warned.

Professor John Edmunds, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he could understand concerns over the variant that have led to last-minute travel rule changes.