White House warns of January virus surge, says boosters protect against Omicron variant

Instances of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus are anticipated to rise subsequent month after households collect for the vacations, White Home officers stated Wednesday, citing new information that counsel the variant is extremely transmissible however may be blunted by vaccine booster pictures.

Whereas Omicron is accountable for simply 3% of all coronavirus circumstances across the nation — a majority are attributable to the Delta variant — well being officers count on its share of infections to develop in coming weeks, stated Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

That’s as a result of the most recent statistics present that Omicron circumstances double about each two days, Walensky stated throughout a White Home briefing for reporters on COVID-19.

Walensky implored eligible Individuals to get vaccinated and booster pictures.

“Vaccination, boosting and masking are particularly vital for individuals who are most susceptible,” she stated.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the Nationwide Institute of Allergy and Infectious Ailments, highlighted information that present two-dose vaccines weren’t as efficient towards Omicron as they had been towards earlier variants. However, he stated, booster pictures held up effectively towards the variant, and scientists wouldn’t have to create an Omicron-specific booster simply but.

“The message stays clear,” stated Fauci, who additionally serves because the White Home’s chief medical advisor. “In case you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated, and notably within the enviornment of Omicron, if you’re totally vaccinated, get boosted.”

The US is averaging 117,900 new coronavirus circumstances a day, and the nation this week recorded its 800,000th loss of life from COVID-19, White Home officers stated.

Seventy-two % of all Individuals have acquired at the very least one shot whereas 61% are totally vaccinated, in accordance with federal statistics. Simply 27% of totally vaccinated Individuals have acquired booster pictures.