Pfizer & BioNTech Consider 'Future Vaccine Relaunch' Due to 'Horrific' New Omicron Variant

Meanwhile, a third vaccine maker claims that it *already* has a vaccine for the Omicron variant under testing and in development.

A new SARS-CoV-2 mutant strain that has been dubbed the 'Omicron' variant is already causing a devastating ripple effect around the globe. It was first identified in Botswana earlier in November, but it is believed to be fueling a present spike in cases in South Africa.

The Omicron variant, or B.1.1.529 variant, has been identified in Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong so far. Scientists are feverishly working on the new mutant strain, which they have identified as the most 'significant' one yet.

"Researchers in South Africa are racing to track the concerning rise of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19," Nature reported. "The variant harbours a large number of the mutations found in other variants, including Delta, and it seems to be spreading quickly across South Africa."

A scientist who has been studying the Omicron variant described it as "horrific."