Buzz
The emergence of variants in the virus responsible for COVID-19 didn’t become a prominent topic until this year, even though the virus had been circulating globally throughout 2020. While there is misinformation suggesting that the vaccine is to blame for these variants, that view is largely due to a misunderstanding. Let’s delve into the facts.
The reality: Increased infections lead to more variants
In biology, there’s a principle that “nothing makes sense except in light of evolution.” This holds true in this case as well. Whenever something reproduces—whether it's a virus or a human—some offspring will differ slightly from the parent. This happens because DNA is not always copied flawlessly, and in certain viruses, RNA doesn’t replicate perfectly either. These variations are known as mutations.
"The high error rate seen in RNA viruses is believed to be an intentional part of their evolutionary plan," explained virologist Matt Koci to Applied Ecology News. "By producing [thousands] of offspring, many with random mutations, the odds increase that one will be better equipped for survival. While many of these mutations will weaken the virus or even make it inactive, some might improve its chances of persistence."
In simpler terms, each time the virus replicates, there is a small chance it could create a version that spreads more efficiently. The more individuals infected, the higher the likelihood that a harmful new variant could appear.
During an AEN interview published in March 2021, the reporter inquired about how one might encourage viral evolution if they aimed to increase the likelihood of a dangerous variant. "I’d do exactly what we’re doing in the U.S.," Koci replied. "Let the virus spread more or less freely."
The misconception: Vaccines are responsible.
Vaccines play a crucial role in halting viral evolution. The fewer individuals infected, the fewer opportunities the virus has to generate new variants. This principle applies to other preventative measures as well, such as masks, social distancing, and virtual meetings.
A persistent myth has spread among those skeptical of vaccines: the belief that vaccines promote the emergence of variants. This idea likely gained traction following a Joe Rogan episode that referenced a 2015 study on viral evolution.
However, the study in question didn’t focus on COVID-19 or humans. It was actually about a chicken vaccine for Marek’s disease and showed that a 'leaky' vaccine—one that allows a large number of breakthrough infections—could influence viral evolution.
Despite this, the study’s author, Andrew Read, clarified to Forbes that his research does not support Rogan’s claim that COVID vaccines are problematic. Read and his family are vaccinated, and he explained to Forbes:
Right now, the virus’s evolution [of the one causing COVID-19] is mostly happening in unvaccinated individuals. These are where the majority of cases and transmissions are occurring. Every time the virus replicates, it has the potential to mutate. So, the evolution is currently taking place in the bodies of unvaccinated individuals. Rogan’s conclusions are completely mistaken.
Delta, the highly transmissible variant that is now the dominant strain of COVID worldwide, emerged in India, where vaccination rates were low. Current evidence tells us that vaccines limit the opportunities for the virus to mutate, rather than encourage mutation. Therefore, the most effective way to combat this pandemic remains still getting vaccinated, if you are able.
