Selin Roy

What is a variant?

Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some variants emerge and disappear while others persist. New variants will continue to emerge

Do COVID-19 vaccines cause variants?

NO, they do not. More person-to-person spread of a virus gives it more opportunities to change. Every new change in a virus increases the chance of a new variant.

How can we help to slow the emergence of new variants?

Taking steps to reduce the spread of the infection: getting a COVID-19 vaccine – wearing masks – effective hand hygiene Vaccines reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Who should get vaccinated?

Everyone ages 5 years and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and everyone ages 12 years and older should get the COVID19 booster when eligible.

Omicron Variant

CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron, as we continue to monitor its course. We don’t know yet how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes or how well available vaccines and medications work against it. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters

Vaccine Effectiveness

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Source | | https://www.cdc.gov/