Scientists say UK strain unlikely to affect efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, warn against more mutations SECTIONS Last Updated: Dec 22, 2020, 06:45 PM IST Share Synopsis More than 40 countries, including India, have banned travel to and from the UK, a move several scientists said was necessary in view of the rapid spread of the new viral strain, VUI-202012/0, that was detected on September 21. Agencies NEW DELHI: The faster spreading coronavirus strain first detected in the UK is unlikely to make vaccines less effective as of now but the preventives may need to be appropriately altered if more mutations occur over time, say scientists.