The new variant of the coronavirus, omicron, has once again caused concern around the world.

So far, however, it is uncertain whether the variant is more contagious than others and whether it causes more serious illness.

- But it is likely that the vaccines provide poorer protection against omicron, says Joakim Dillner, professor of infection epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet.

Vaccine manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer / Biontech say they will be able to start production of updated vaccines in April or May.

The European Commission is currently investigating how well the current vaccines work against the variant and whether it is justified to update the vaccine.

- If you "press the button" it is because you see that it will be better protection if you update the vaccine, says Sweden's vaccine coordinator Richard Bergström.

A decision is expected in one to two weeks, according to Bergström.

- But it may be that the vaccine we have is effective enough, he says.

Epidemiologist: Can give new wave of infection

Joakim Dillner believes that the spread of the omicron variant should be avoided in society until an updated vaccine is in place, through self-quarantine, testing and infection tracing on the way home.

- When we lack knowledge, I think we should try to limit it as much as possible, says Joakim Dillner.

If today's vaccine provides poorer protection against the variant, there is a risk of major outbreaks.

- If it is possible to keep it away until there are more omicron-adapted vaccines, we can avoid repeating the waves of mortality and disease that we have had before.

How realistic is it that we should be able to avoid such a spread?

- We have quite a few examples of how we have been able to limit the possibility of a new spread of society.

One such is the delta variant, where we saw the first import cases already in April and did not get further spread until many months later, says Joakim Dillner.