Omicron and Vaccine Booster Guidance for Veterans

Veterans,

Many of you have heard in the news about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 that was identified in South Africa last week and has been spreading quickly around the world; it is now in the United States.  The World Health Organization has labeled it as a variant of concern because of its quick spread and large number of mutations that make it potentially more dangerous.  With holiday gatherings upcoming, the continued spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., and Omicron on the horizon, CDC now recommends boosters for everyone age 18+ to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

What we know about Omicron:

• Omicron is spreading quickly across the world and has been identified in the United States
• Omicron has multiple concerning mutations that make it more worrisome than other variants

What we don’t know about Omicron:

• What the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death is from the Omicron variant
• The risk of breakthrough infections after vaccination associated with the Omicron variant
• The risk of reinfection after prior COVID-19 illness

What can we do to protect ourselves?

• Monitor public health recommendations and updated guidance from CDC and VA
• Get vaccinated and boosted
• CDC updated its recommendations to advise boosters for everyone age 18+
• Even if vaccines are not as effective against Omicron, vaccines and boosters are likely to provide some degree of protection against Omicron
• Vaccines are protective against hospitalization and death from Delta (current threat in the US) and boosters have been shown to decrease COVID-19 infections across all current variants in the U.S.
• Unvaccinated individuals have the highest risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness leading to hospitalization and/or death
• Wear masks when around others outside your household
• Physically distance from others
• Avoid crowds
• Spread out while eating unmasked with others outside your household
• Consider getting tested before gathering with others for the holidays
• Stay in well-ventilated spaces
• Encourage outdoor gatherings when with others outside your household
• Isolate and get tested if you develop ANY symptoms of COVID-19
• Avoid international travel

When should you get a booster?

• 2 months after the primary Janssen (J&J) dose
• 6 months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna (or 6 months after the 3^rd dose if you have a weakened immune system)
• If it has already been more than 2 months since your Janssen (J&J) vaccine or 6 months since your Pfizer or Moderna primary series, get your booster ASAP!

The recommendation is to get vaccinated (and get a booster) as quickly as possible to avoid a holiday surge of COVID-19 and protect yourself against the Omicron variant.

How can I schedule my vaccine or booster?

• Call 919-286-5231 to schedule your vaccine appointment today!
• Spouses, caregivers, CHAMPVA recipients, and unenrolled Veterans should register at this link before calling 919-286-5231 to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the VA.

Take care and stay safe this holiday season!