Oxford scientists preparing vaccine versions to combat emerging Covid variants, says report Oxford scientists preparing vaccine versions to combat emerging Covid variants, says report The team behind the vaccine from Oxford and AstraZeneca is undertaking feasibility studies to reconfigure the technology, a daily said, citing a confirmation from Oxford University. advertisement UPDATED: January 21, 2021 10:01 IST Oxford is carefully assessing the impact of new variants on vaccine immunity, according to an official. (Photo: Reuters) Oxford scientists are preparing to rapidly produce new versions of their vaccine to combat emerging more contagious Covid-19 variants discovered in the UK, South Africa and Brazil, The Telegraph has reported.