die, in addition to losing less weight and having less lung damage.
3. Vaccines, especially boosters, provide substantial protection against severe infection
While the Omicron variant appears wily enough to evade people’s antibodies, researchers report that it should have a much harder time slipping past a person’s T-cells.
The Omicron variant is three times more likely to cause reinfections compared to the Delta or Beta strain, according to a preliminary study by South African scientists. This is why vaccines and boosters are strongly encouraged to protect against Omicron.
Compared with Delta, Omicron has a lower vaccine efficiency.
However, it can still provide a protective benefit against Omicron, especially among those who have gotten their booster shots.
Even if you do get infected with the virus, vaccines can prevent you from severe infection and hospitalization.
Those who are eligible, are urged to get the shots as soon as possible.
Scientists are currently working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. According to the CDC, based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
RELATED: Could Omicron ‘End the Pandemic?’
Who Should Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
Here is what you should know about getting vaccinated, according to the CDC:
- COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older.
- Moderately or severely immunocompromised people who are ages 12 years and older and received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccine series or ages 18 years and older and received a Moderna primary vaccine series should receive an additional primary dose of the same vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.
- Everyone ages 18 years and older who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should get a booster shot. Learn more about booster shots.