Covid guidelines update on variants

In the most recent CDC guideline for the fully vaccinated it notes that "how much vaccines protect against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are still under investigation." In the referenced Science Brief it says:

"SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (B.1.1.7 [first detected in the United Kingdom]; B.1.351 [first detected in South Africa]; P.1 [first detected in Japan/Brazil]; B.1.427 and B.1.429 [first detected in US-California]) have emerged with mutations that alter the receptor binding domain of the spike protein (notably the N501Y mutation occurring in B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and P.1 variants, as well as E484K and E417T/N mutations in B.1.351 and P.1).31 These mutations appear to confer greater resistance to neutralization by sera from people vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, raising concerns that these vaccines may have reduced effectiveness against COVID-19 illness due to strains with these mutations, particularly against the B.1.351 variant. Therefore, vaccine performance against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants is an important consideration when evaluating the need for continued prevention measures in vaccinated people and will require continued monitoring."

The CDC Covid Data Tracker provides further information on the variants. They're here in the US and causing complications even for the fully vaccinated. Given that the vaccine has reduced effectiveness to them we are far from out of the woods and need to still be cautious and safe in our behavior, even if vaccinated.