Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CORONAVIRUS
WE were all looking forward to a more normal Christmas this year and then along came Omicron.
But how concerned should we be about the new coronavirus variant and could it really derail our festive plans?
Prof Azeem Majeed, professor of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, has the answers…
How worried should we be about the Omicron variant?
When any new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 is identified, we don’t at first know how infectious it will be, whether it will cause a more serious illness than other variants and how well vaccines will work against it.
We therefore need to be cautious and take measures to control the spread of Omicron until this information becomes available. We shouldn’t, however, become unduly anxious.
I’ve heard that the variant causes more mild symptoms. Is that true and if so why are we worried?
Some early reports from South Africa suggest that Omicron may cause a milder illness than other variants. However, we will need data from many more people infected with the Omicron variant – particularly older and clinically vulnerable people – before we can reach reliable conclusions about the severity of the illness it causes.
Why are they giving more booster jabs if the new variant can evade existing vaccines?
Two doses of current vaccines provide good protection – and three doses provides even better protection – against the other strains of coronavirus.
At present, we have no evidence the Omicron variant can evade existing vaccines. We need to continue with the booster programme as this has been very effective in keeping down the number of infections that can result in hospital admission or death.
Does the new variant transmit any differently?
We don’t yet have good data on whether Omicron can infect people more easily than other variants. It will gradually emerge in the coming weeks.
Does it mean existing Covid treatments like the new antiviral treatments won’t work either?
It is possible that some of the newer antiviral treatments won’t work as well against Omicron as against other variants. However, this will need to be confirmed in research studies.
It’s very likely, however, that antiviral treatments will still reduce the severity of illness caused by Omicron.
What don’t we know about Omicron and when will we know?
We currently lack important information about Omicron – such as how infectious it is, whether it causes a more severe illness than other variants, how well vaccines protect against it and whether antiviral drugs will be helpful in reducing the severity of illness it causes.
Research is already underway to answer all of these questions.
How likely is it to affect Christmas and how?
We currently have a high Covid-19 infection rate in the UK. Fortunately, vaccines are keeping down the number of people with a more severe illness, which in turn is keeping the number of hospital admissions and deaths low.
If we can get a high uptake of boosters, we should be able to have a more normal Christmas. But everyone should continue with infection control measures and not rely just on vaccination.
People who are not vaccinated at all (around 11% of people aged 12 and over in the UK) should also come forward.
Will mask wearing really stop it?
Masks can reduce the spread of infection – particularly if a higher specification FFP2 mask is worn. But they work best when combined with other infection control measures such as vaccination and home-working.
Bringing forward the booster to three months instead of six after people’s second vaccination won’t reduce its effectiveness in preventing serious illness. The booster dose substantially increases people’s immunity and this can help stop the Omicron variant evading our current vaccines.
If the time between jabs is now three months, does that mean I’ll soon need a fourth if I had my booster weeks ago?
The three month gap is for people who have not yet had a booster. If you have already had your booster, you won’t get a fourth dose (other than for a small proportion of the population with weak immune systems). Those who have not yet had a booster no longer have to wait six months from their second dose and can have this earlier.
Will bringing forward boosters mean they’re not as efficient?
What will happen in schools?
Some schools have had large Covid-19 outbreaks since the new school year started. It’s important that 12-15 year old children are vaccinated and also get a second vaccination once the Government has approved this. People working in schools also need to be fully vaccinated with three doses ( four doses for people with weak immune systems). Any child who is unwell with possible Covid-19 symptoms should get a PCR test and isolate until the result is back. Improving ventilation and air quality in schools is also essential to reduce the risk of infection.
Could there be more travel bans?
If the Omicron variant spreads further, then more countries may be placed on the Red List. This can happen at very short notice, leaving travellers with the option of either cutting short their trip or facing an expensive stay in a quarantine hotel. Everyone should consider this if they are planning an overseas trip.