An evolutionary virologist says fully vaccinated people with a booster dose are effectively protected against the Omicron BA.2 mutation.
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On Wednesday, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed the new mutation of the Omicron variant had been found in a number of border workers and close contacts.
The mutation, dubbed BA.2, is one of three Omicron mutations which emerged late last year in southern Africa.
Otago University evolutionary virologist Dr Jemma Geoghegan told Midday Reportinitial research shows being fully vaccinated with a booster shot is proving effective against the mutation.
"What [the research] is suggesting is that if you're fully vaccinated and with a booster, it will protect you well from both BA.1 and BA.2," she said.
BA.1 is the current dominant mutation of Omicron in New Zealand and around the world.
Geoghegan said BA.2 may become the dominant variant in the future, though not much is likely to change.
"With a booster, you have about a 90 percent reduction in the risk of going to hospital for both mutations," she explained.
More research is needed but early indications show BA.2's symptoms are also very similar to the current dominant mutation, BA.1.
The new mutation is largely found through genome sequencing as only certain types of PCR (nasal swab) tests pick up the subtle differences between Delta and BA.2.
There is currently no evidence that BA.2 can be transmitted faster than BA.1.
