Vaccine-induced mutation in SARS-CoV-2, a matter of concern? (Preprint)
UNSTRUCTURED The emergence of new lineages of corona virus over the different continents has illustrated a significant public health concern. These new strains have a higher rate of transmissibility and have become dominant within a short period of time. The virus strains were also witnessed with an extensive range of mutations in the spike (S) protein, particularly in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and amino-terminal domain (NTD). The studies concerning the genomic epidemiology of the COVID-19 virus have assisted the scientific community to unveil the evolutionary aspect of viruses and track the transmission dynamics over the world. At present all the mutations are vaccine sensitive, but vaccine-resistant variety may emerge at any time. It is very important that we should close the door quickly, although, strategic problems are there. Mutations are more possible in partially vaccinated areas rather than fully vaccinated areas. The present policy of vaccinating on an age structure leaves many non-vaccinated in the same home. In a population with very few vaccinated people there are viruses in many hosts and the chances of mutation is high. If the population is fully vaccinated, the virus is eradicated from that community and hence mutation chances are less. This locality specific fast and total vaccination will curtail the mutagenesity of the virus, lead to its eradication and to be preferred rather than vaccinating based on age structure.