Current News & Data
Omicron Becomes The Dominant Variant
New data released by the CDC this week show that Omicron has become the dominant variant in the US. Omicron accounts for 73.2% of cases now; this is a substantial increase from the previous week, when Omicron only accounted for 12.6% of the cases. This rapid increase in cases shows how fast this variant is able to spread. While we haven’t yet confirmed the Omicron variant here in Stanislaus County, it is coming.
While we are still learning more about the Omicron Variant, we can all do our part to prevent the spread of it:
- Choose to vaccinate and get boosted
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
- Avoid crowds and stay 6 feet apart from others
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
- Get Tested
FDA Authorizes Paxlovid to Treat COVID-19
On Wednesday December 22, FDA authorized a new oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19: Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer. The treatment is authorized for use in those 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms who have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe disease.
Paxlovid will be available soon in very limited quantities at select pharmacies by prescription to those who are eligible; talk to your healthcare provider to see if this treatment is right for you. The FDA and Stanislaus County emphasize that Paxlovid is not a substitute for vaccination. We encourage all residents to choose to vaccinate to help prevent COVID-19.
FDA Authorizes Molnupiravir to Treat COVID-19
On Thursday December 23, FDA authorized an additional oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19: Molnupiravir, developed by Merck. The treatment is authorized for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate. Molnupiravir is not authorized for children younger than 18 and is not recommended for pregnant people.
Molnupiravir will be available soon in very limited quantities at select pharmacies by prescription to those who are eligible; talk to your healthcare provider to see if this treatment is right for you. The FDA and Stanislaus County emphasize that Molnupiravir is not a substitute for vaccination. We encourage all residents to choose to vaccinate to help prevent COVID-19.
MRNA Vaccines Receive Preferential Recommendation over Johnson & Johnson
Last week, CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup gave an preferential recommendation to administer the mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer (Comirnaty)) over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup acknowledge that the benefits of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine outweigh the risk of not receiving a vaccine. Providers should still offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for individuals who prefer it or who may not be able to receive the mRNA vaccines after they have been informed of the vaccine's risks.
This Week's Data
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