The WHO (World Health Organization) has decided to classify the JN.1 coronavirus variant as “of concern.” This measure was announced by the Organization on Tuesday (19).

WHO classifies new JN.1 variant as ‘of concern’ – Photo: Dennis Balibus/Reuters

According to infectious disease doctor and vice-president of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, Alexandre Naime Barbosa, this variant should already be predominant in the country.

“All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little effect on the properties of the virus,” says WHO.

Barbosa explains that although the vaccine line appears to be new and is in fact an existing vaccine in Brazil, a bivalent vaccine can be used if there is no new monovalent vaccine, as is the case in the country.

What does the WHO classification mean?

The variants of concern are at levels lower than those classified as strains of concern and do not currently reach the most critical level set by the WHO.

The organization is ensuring that currently available vaccines will demonstrate effectiveness in preventing serious cases and deaths associated with the new variant.

Option JN.1

JN.1, a newly identified variant, was first detected in the United States in September. In Brazil, the virus was detected in Ceará in November, prompting the Health Ministry to recommend additional booster shots for older people and at-risk groups.