Omicron COVID-19 Variant

Veterans,

We would like to share some new data coming out about the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data on how quickly the Omicron variant is spreading, Omicron is doubling every 2-4 days which means most COVID-19 cases in the United States could be the Omicron variant in the next 1-2 weeks and it could account for almost all cases in the United States by the new year.  So far, symptoms have seemed milder with Omicron, however, large outbreaks have occurred in areas with high estimated rates of prior COVID-19 infection or areas with high vaccination rates.  Hospitalization and death rates from Omicron are not known for unvaccinated groups.

• We don’t yet know if Omicron infections cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants
• Vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths though breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur
• It is likely that vaccinated people with breakthrough infections or people infected without symptoms can spread the virus to others
• Boosters are more protective against Omicron than just completing a primary vaccine series
• Protection against infection increases from 33% to 70% with a booster
• Protection against hospitalization increases from 70% to ~95% with a booster
• Some existing treatments may not work as well against the Omicron variant

We strongly recommend you get your booster now.  You can call 919-286-5231 to schedule a vaccine appointment at your closest VA.  CVS, Walmart, Harris Teeter, and Wegmans are also in-network for VA; if you go to a community vaccine site, please present your Veteran ID card so they can bill VA and update your VA medical record.  If there are any issues with in-network pharmacy billing, please call 800-364-6331 for assistance.  To receive a booster, it must be 2 months since your J&J dose or 6 months since your last Pfizer or Moderna dose.

CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for those just getting their first vaccines as well as for those getting a booster dose because of their increased effectiveness against COVID-19.  J&J vaccines are still available to those who cannot take an mRNA vaccine or strongly prefer not to.  Any vaccine is more protective than no vaccine.

Gathering with friends and family over the holidays is always something to look forward to, but please think about how you can do so safely.  Here are some ways you can stay safer this holiday season:

• Gather with others outdoors
• Distance from others while unmasked/eating/drinking
• Stay masked when not eating/drinking
• Get vaccinated and boosted
• Get tested for COVID-19 before gathering with others

We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.