Updated Covid Variants List and Details on New Variants 2025

Explore the updated list of Covid variants including details on their significance, transmission, and vaccine effectiveness for the year 2025.

Understanding Covid Variants: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, various variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged. Some of these variants are particularly significant due to their potential for increased transmissibility, virulence, or a reduction in the effectiveness of vaccines.

As of now, five major SARS-CoV-2 variants have been classified as variants of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. This list highlights the ongoing evolution of the virus and the importance of monitoring these variants closely.

Covid Variants Overview

This section provides a detailed overview of the worrisome variants of SARS-CoV-2.

WHO LabelPango LineageGISAID CladeNextstrain CladeAmino Acid ChangesEarliest Documented SamplesDate of Designation
AlphaB.1.1.7GRY20I (V1)+S:484K
+S:452R
United Kingdom,
Sep-2020
18-Dec-2020
BetaB.1.351GH/501Y.V220H (V2)+S:L18FSouth Africa,
May-2020
18-Dec-2020
GammaP.1GR/501Y.V320J (V3)+S:681HBrazil,
Nov-2020
11-Jan-2021
DeltaB.1.617.2G/478K.V121A, 21I, 21J+S:417N
+S:484K
India,
Oct-2020
VOI: 4-Apr-2021
VOC: 11-May-2021
Omicron*B.1.1.529GRA21K, 21L, 21M+S:R346KMultiple countries, Nov-2021VUM: 24-Nov-2021
VOC: 26-Nov-2021
Current Covid Variants

Details on Covid Variants

  • The genetic lineage of SARS-CoV-2 is continually monitored worldwide as new varieties emerge.
  • In the United States, SARS-CoV-2 genetic lineages are observed using various methods, including epidemiological studies and virus sequencing.
  • Omicron was officially classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC) on November 30, 2021, based on its widespread transmission and other related factors.
  • The following classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants are defined by the CDC:
  1. Variants Being Monitored (VBM)
  2. Variant of Interest (VOI)
  3. Variant of Concern (VOC)
  4. Variant of High Consequence (VOHC)
  • No variants of high consequence have been identified to date in the United States.
  • The vaccines currently authorized in the United States are effective against the primary variants circulating.
    • Monitoring current VBM in the United States.
    • No current variants are designated as VOI.
    • View current VOC being monitored.
    • No variants of high consequence are designated.

    For more detailed information about Covid variants, visit the World Health Organization at WHO Tracking page.

    Also Read:

    COVID 19 Vaccine Name List | Coronavirus Approved Vaccines List Worldwide