Health officials aren't surprised the Omicron variant has been detected locally. It was just a matter of time.
"It's so contagious, it's as contagious as measles," said Dr. Nancy Nielsen, Senior Associate Dean for Health Policy at UB's Jacobs School of Medicine.
"Anybody who is unvaccinated is just an absolute living target."
Researchers acknowledge the Omicron variant as it was detected in South Africa seemed to be accompanied by symptoms that were less severe than the Delta variant. Officials are hoping for the same in this region.
"But hope isn't a strategy," said Nielsen who points out how the Omicron variant is creating breakthrough infections among people who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19.
"The message ought not to be the vaccines don't prevent Omicron infection, the really important message is all of the vaccines, especially if you're boosted, provide significant protection against serious illness."
"So, the message is get vaccinated and boosted and then just be careful in terms of where you go and wear a mask indoors in public."
