According to a recent study published in Nature, the newest Omicron subvariant, BA.5, has been found to be four times more resistant to Covid-19 vaccinations. The two BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants are currently the most prevalent strains in newly diagnosed Covid-19 infections in the US.

The Mayo Clinic stated in a recent analysis that the strain is "hypercontagious" and is responsible for increased hospitalization and ICU admission rates. The risk of getting infected by the virus was roughly five times higher in the unvaccinated group compared to those who are vaccinated including the booster dose. Rate of hospitalization was 7.5 times higher, and death rate was 14 to 15 times higher.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the BA.5 strain accounted for 65 % of Covid-19 infections in the US for the week ending July 9. The WHO director has warned people about new Covid-19 waves and advised the countries to be ready to address any such emergency in light of the emergence of new variations that are more transmissible, immune evasive, and causing significant concerns about more hospitalizations. (Livemint, 16 Jul 2022)