Variant Could Be In Alabama Already

Attention to the coronavirus in north alabama.

This morning -- we are learning more about a new variant of the coronavirus.

New research shows pfizer's vaccine actually protects against that mutation!

The cdc confirmed 52 cases of the coronavirus variant here in the u-s.

While none of those cases are confirmed to be here in alabama -- some doctors believe it's already in our area.

Waay 31's ashley carter joins us live this morning outside of huntsville hospital.

Ashley what do doctors here have to say about the variant?

Pat, marie -- doctors are still working to learn more about this variant and ways to protect against it.

Infectious disease specialist doctor ali hassoun says we should continue to focus on the original variant since it's much more prevelant.

Doctor hassoun did say the new variant causes concern -- especially with many people still waiting to get the coronavirus vaccine.

He understands there are many questions if the new vaccines will be able to protect them.

He points to the new study -- where early findings show current vaccines will be able to protect against the mutant strain.

"most of the evidence suggests that it's going to be covering that.

Of course there is actually ongoing studies to look at that in detail, but most of the evidence suggests now that yes, it's going to do that."

As new cases of the coronavirus variant continue to rise across the country....docto r hassoun says states should speed up the vaccination process.

The new research on the vaccine protecting the variant has not been peer reviewed yet.

Live in hsv ashley c waay 31 news