Update on New Covid Variant

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

As I'm sure you've heard, there has been a lot of discussion over a new coronavirus sub-variant called BA.2. Studies have shown that BA.2 is 40-80% more contagious than the first omicron variant and now accounts for nearly 55% of new Covid-19 cases in the United States. That number is expected to increase over the coming weeks.

However, research has also shown that the tools we have remain highly effective against this new sub-variant, including masks, vaccines, booster shots, and antiviral drug treatments.

As we continue to learn more about this sub-variant, I want to make sure you have some facts and resources currently available to help keep you and your loved ones safe. We’ve compiled some helpful information below for you, and I also encourage you to regularly check the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Vermont Department of Health for updates on guidelines and best practices.

As we face the third year of COVID and now this new sub-variant, it is imperative that we remain as vigilant as possible. Together, respecting each other and listening to science, we will get through this.

Sincerely, 

P.S. I myself got my second booster shot last week. Read on below to learn more.

The scientific community has been very clear that wearing masks helps prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. It protects both those wearing the mask and those who are nearby. But what research has also been very clear about is that not all masks are created equal.

In fact, research tells us that N95 masks are much more effective than other masks in preventing the spread of Covid-19. This is true for all variants. As a result of that reality, the Biden Administration has made hundreds of millions of N95 masks available for free around the country, including at community health centers and pharmacies in Vermont. I strongly urge you to take advantage of this opportunity and go to your local Community Health Center or participating pharmacy to get an N95 mask.

You can also find locations for your local Community Health Center, here: https://dlp.vermont.gov/sites/dlp/files/documents/Federally%20Qualified%20Health%20Centers.pdf

You can find a nearby pharmacy with free N95 masks, here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/free-masks.html

The best way to protect yourself and others against Covid-19 is to get vaccinated — and that includes booster shots. I know there has been some confusion as to who is eligible for booster shots, and how many booster shots to get. As of last month, surprisingly, only 40% of Americans who are eligible have received a booster shot. Here is what the CDC recommends:

• Everyone five years of age and older is now eligible to get a Covid-19 vaccination.
• Everyone ages 12 and older is eligible for a booster shot.

If you already received a Pfizer vaccine:

• If you received a Pfizer vaccine, are 12 years of age or older, and it has been at least five months since your vaccination series, you are eligible to get one booster. Please contact your primary care physician to ask them what booster shot is best for you. 

If you already received a Moderna vaccine:

• If you received a Moderna vaccine, are 18 years of age or older, and it has been at least five months since your vaccination series, you are eligible to get one booster. Please contact your primary care physician to ask them what booster shot is best for you.

If you already received Johnson & Johnson's vaccine:

• If you received Johnson & Johnson's Jassen vaccine, are 18 years of age or older, and it has been at least two months since your vaccination, you are eligible to get one booster. Please contact your primary care physician to ask them what booster shot is best for you.

Who is eligible for a second booster?

• If you have received your first vaccine series, including your first booster, and you are an individual considered to be at a higher risk of severe outcomes from Covid-19 or you are over the age of 50, you may now get an additional booster four months after your prior vaccine. Please contact your primary care physician if you have questions about your eligibility for another booster.

Vermonters can register for an appointment or find locations offering the vaccine, here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine

According to the New York Times: "Two oral antiviral therapies are available to treat Covid-19 in the United States, though they require a doctor’s prescription and are authorized only for people who may be at high risk of severe disease. One, called Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, is taken as three pills twice a day for five days. It is available for high-risk patients 12 and older.

"The second drug, called molnupiravir, was developed by Merck in partnership with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. It is taken as four pills twice a day for five days, and is available for high-risk adults 18 and older.

"For the pills to be most effective, you need to start taking them within five days of the start of your symptoms.

"You can use the Covid-19 therapeutics locator to track local supply of the drugs and check with your doctor to make sure you can receive the medication should you fall ill."

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is to get tested frequently. Vermonters can order free, at-home, rapid COVID tests online from the federal government, which will be delivered directly through the U.S. Postal Service.

To make your order, just go to: https://www.covidtests.gov/

You can find testing locations and register for an appointment, here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested