How variants are classified

• Variants being monitored (VBM)

• Variant of interest (VOI)– Currently, no SARS-CoV-2 variants are designated as VOI

• Variant of Concern (VOC)– Varriants of SARS-CoV-2 have been in this category from Alpha to Omicron

• Variant of high consequence (VOHC)– Currently, no SARS-CoV-2 variants are designated as such. A VOHC has clear evidence that prevention measures have significantly reduced effectiveness compared to previously circulating variants.