<p>BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are working on vaccines that specifically target Omicron in case their existing shots are not effective against the new coronavirus variant, the companies said on Monday.</p>.<p>The variant's emergence has triggered a strong global response as countries worried that it could spread fast even in vaccinated populations impose travel curbs and other restrictions.</p>.<p>BioNTech SE said it had started work on a vaccine tailored to Omicron, along with partner Pfizer.</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/how-fast-does-it-spread-scientists-ask-whether-omicron-can-outrun-delta-1055877.html" target="_blank">How fast does it spread?: Scientists ask whether Omicron can outrun Delta</a></strong></p>.<p>Meanwhile, Moderna Inc said it could take months to begin shipping such a vaccine, Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel told CNBC.</p>.<p>Bancel said the effectiveness of existing Covid-19 vaccines against the variant was currently not known, adding there should be more clarity in about two weeks.</p>.<p>Johnson & Johnson is also evaluating the effectiveness of its Covid-19 vaccine against Omicron, while also pursuing a vaccine specific to the variant.</p>.<p>"We have begun work to design and develop a new vaccine against Omicron and will rapidly progress it into clinical studies if needed," said Mathai Mammen, global head of research for J&J's pharmaceuticals unit.</p>.<p>A top South African infectious disease expert said Omicron appears to be more transmissible than previous variants, including to people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection.</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>
<p>BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are working on vaccines that specifically target Omicron in case their existing shots are not effective against the new coronavirus variant, the companies said on Monday.</p>.<p>The variant's emergence has triggered a strong global response as countries worried that it could spread fast even in vaccinated populations impose travel curbs and other restrictions.</p>.<p>BioNTech SE said it had started work on a vaccine tailored to Omicron, along with partner Pfizer.</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/how-fast-does-it-spread-scientists-ask-whether-omicron-can-outrun-delta-1055877.html" target="_blank">How fast does it spread?: Scientists ask whether Omicron can outrun Delta</a></strong></p>.<p>Meanwhile, Moderna Inc said it could take months to begin shipping such a vaccine, Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel told CNBC.</p>.<p>Bancel said the effectiveness of existing Covid-19 vaccines against the variant was currently not known, adding there should be more clarity in about two weeks.</p>.<p>Johnson & Johnson is also evaluating the effectiveness of its Covid-19 vaccine against Omicron, while also pursuing a vaccine specific to the variant.</p>.<p>"We have begun work to design and develop a new vaccine against Omicron and will rapidly progress it into clinical studies if needed," said Mathai Mammen, global head of research for J&J's pharmaceuticals unit.</p>.<p>A top South African infectious disease expert said Omicron appears to be more transmissible than previous variants, including to people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection.</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>