In light of the new Omicron variant, the CDC is now urging all Americans to get a booster shot six months after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and two months after their single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. According to CNN, “’Today, CDC is strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older,’ CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.
‘The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,’ she added.
‘Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant. I strongly encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness.’
Previously, the CDC said people should get a booster if they are 50 and older, or 18 and older and living in long term care. Otherwise, it advised that anyone 18 and older may get a booster. Now the word ‘should’ applies to everyone 18 and older.
It will take a few weeks of testing to know for sure whether the Omicron variant is more transmissible than Delta, and whether it evades the protection offered by natural infection or vaccines. Scientists will also be looking to see if it causes more severe disease or evades the effects of treatments.
In the meantime, CDC will be watching for Omicron to appear in the United States. That requires an extra step of testing as the tests used to diagnose Covid-19 won’t tell people which variant they are infected with. ‘I also want to encourage people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick. Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly,’ Walensky said.”
In a recent poll of global Sermo physicians, 84% said they expect the Omicron variant in their region, community, or hospital within the next few weeks; and 82% said that based on what we know so far, Omicron is likely to be more transmissible.
Eighty-three percent of physicians agree with the CDC that all adults should receive a booster shot when they are eligible; while 79% responded that they have already received their booster or plan to soon.
Sixty-seven percent of Sermo doctors say they are alarmed by the Omicron variant; and 66% confirm that their patients are worried. Eighty-eight percent believe the 32 variations in the spike protein of Omicron could result in future surges of Covid-19. And 68% support the aggressive travel restrictions and border closures.
The vaccines should provide some protection, predict 85% of physicians; and even vaccinated people should start wearing masks indoors, given the potential risks of the Omicron, say 84% of doctors.
Here’s more of what Sermo physicians have to say on the Omicron variant, in their own words:
As long as not all people in the world are vaccinated, the virus will mutate and we will have variants that will spread throughout the planet. Hopefully it doesn’t mutate the particle the vaccine is targeting, because if this happens, it will be a big, big problem for everyone.
Family Medicine, Spain
In Delhi even health workers have not been given a choice to take a booster shot till date.
Endocrinology, India
Like in a previous post, we still don’t have any scientific proof that a third shot / booster is necessary or usefull in young and healthy people. Regarding the new variant, If the vacine is efficient against the Omicron variant, then a booster is not needed, if the vacine is not efficient, then giving a booster will not made him more efficient! It’s like for bracteria and antibiotics, if you see that the bacteria is resistant to an antibiotic, you change of antibiotic, you don’t give a higher dosis of the antibiotic to whom it’s resistant. Also in most country, the fourth wave is said to be due to non-vaccinated people, so giving a third dosis to those who are already vaccinated will not solve the problem…
Pathology, Belgium
As many of us suspected, Omicron is already in the United States. California reported a person infected with the Omicron variant on 12/1/2021. It is incumbent on physicians to encourage their communities to get fully vaccinated, including receipt of the booster!
Pediatrics, U.S.
Faced with the real threat of Covid-19 and even the lack of awareness on the part of citizens, all the measures that the government chooses that are real and logical for the protection of its citizens should be applauded and help maintain order.”
General Practitioner, Venezuela
vaccines of ANY kind are designed to boost your personal immune system. we have learned that when viruses mutate aka variants, they are WEAKER even though they can also spread faster. the media has an agenda and unfortunately the public take a back seat to that. The Omicron mutation has already shown it is weaker. vaccines will also not prevent anyone from catching it, it just allows you to fight it off, usually with no or mild symptoms. ever wonder why we were never tested for the flu or ANY other virus UNLESS we first showed symptoms.
Pulmonology, U.S.
