A spin-off mutation of the UK variant of the CCP virus has emerged with the same potentially vaccine-hindering protein structure as the South African and Brazilian variants, according to English health officials. Studies show that while vaccines are effective against the South African variant, it is with less potency than with the “standard” variants or the UK variant. Public Health England on Feb. 1 reported (pdf) that sample testing has revealed that a key mutation in the South African and Brazilian variants, called E484K, was found in a “limited number” of cases in England. Out of a total sample of 214,159, analysed on Jan. 26, only 11 were identified as UK variant cases with the E484K change. Despite the low numbers, scientists say that the development is concerning. The UK has been a world-leader in genomic sequencing of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, meaning that it may be picking up on changes …