COVID-19 & The OmicronVariant: What we Know

On November 24, 2021, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529, was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). This new variant was first detected in specimens collected on November 11, 2021, in Botswana and on November 14, 2021, in South Africa.

On November 26, 2021, WHO named the B.1.1.529 Omicron and classified it as a Variant of Concern (VOC). The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is collaborating with its counterparts globally as well as the World Health Organization to learn about this new variant and has recorded 6 cases infected with the omicron variant to date. Despite the increased attention on Omicron, the Delta variant, however, remains the dominant variant circulating in Nigeria and across the globe.

What We Know about Omicron

Infection and Spread

How easily does Omicron spread? The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus however its transmissibility in comparison to the Delta variant remains unknown. 

Will Omicron cause more severe illness? More data is needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.

Will vaccines work against Omicron? Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Tackling Omicron

Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how much protection fully vaccinated people will have against infection, hospitalization, and death. Currently, less than 2% of Nigeria’s population is fully vaccinated.

 Masks and other NPI measures continue to offer protection against all variants.

Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

Ensure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Visit www.nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng to identify accredited vaccination centers near you. 

If you received two doses of Astra Zeneca, Moderna, or Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines 6 or more months ago or the Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine two or more months ago, please visit an accredited vaccination center to receive a booster dose. Booster doses will be available nationwide from December 10^th, 2021.

Adhere to all previously recommended nonpharmaceutical interventions such as the use of a face mask, maintaining adequate hand and respiratory hygiene, and the avoidance of large crowds especially during this festive season.

Stay informed by relying on credible sources of information via social and news media.

Encourage your family, friends, and loved ones to do the above.

Together, we can beat this.

*The figures quoted were valid at the time of publication