What is the Omicron variant?
The omicron variant is the latest mutation of the COVID-19 virus. As of Dec. 20, 2021, the omicron variant has been detected in most every part of the United States and has become the most dominant strain of the COVID-19 virus.
Viruses constantly mutate into other variants or variations. This is their nature. Usually, these variants spread infection at faster rates than the original virus. Like the recent delta variant, the omicron variant is spreading the COVID-19 virus quickly, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with global health partners to monitor the omicron variant and learn more about it.
Why is the Omicron variant so dangerous?
Like the original COVID-19 virus and the delta variant, the omicron variant is very, very contagious. Its rapid spread of infection is proof of this. Early forecasts suggest that, at its peak, case counts for the omicron variant will be twice that of the delta variant in Oregon.
Beyond its ability to spread quickly, the omicron variant can also infect people who have been vaccinated and received a booster.
Who is at risk?
Unvaccinated people are most at risk. Indeed, while the omicron variant has infected vaccinated people, unvaccinated people are clearly more vulnerable to infection. So far, some research suggests that the severity of illness from the omicron variant has been lower compared to illness from the delta variant. But as with the delta variant, unvaccinated people remain at greater risk of suffering COVID-19 symptoms that require them to be hospitalized. This is why omicron forecasts show an increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations as the omicron variant spreads more widely.
Are vaccinated people at risk?
In a word, yes. Fully vaccinated individuals who have received a booster shot have been infected by the omicron variant. Data also shows that these patients have had, for the most part, mild symptoms compared to those who are unvaccinated. Often, they do not show any symptoms.
Even if someone is vaccinated, they can still pass the omicron variant to someone else. This is why the omicron variant is so dangerous.
Please take action now
You can take clear, easy and effective steps to ensure that you, your loved ones and your community remain safe from COVID-19 and the omicron and delta variants.
For unvaccinated people:
- Get vaccinated and, when needed, get boosted. Vaccinations and booster shots are the best way to protect from an omicron variant infection. They are also proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization or severe symptoms. To find a vaccine location, go to the Oregon Get Vaccinated site or Washington state Vaccine Locator.
- If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.
- Wear protective masks indoors, continue to wash hands often, and maintain physical distance from others (at least 6 feet apart) in public spaces.
- Avoid large crowds, both indoors and outdoors.
For vaccinated people:
- If you have not gotten your booster, get boosted. Data show that boosters are very effective in reducing omicron variant infections and serious illness.
- If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.
- Wear protective masks indoors, continue to wash hands often, and maintain physical distance from others (at least 6 feet apart) in public spaces.
- Avoid large crowds, both indoors and outdoors.
