Episode 28: Pediatrics Vaccines & Holiday Safety

Additional resources

COVID-19 Pediatrics Vaccines & Holiday Safety

Q1: Can you please explain what the Omicron variant is all about?

Over time, the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 mutates to produce new variants. On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization named the B.1.1.529 variant Omicron and classified it as a variant of concern (VOC) because of suspected increased transmissibility for coronavirus. On December 1, 2021 the first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron was identified. The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original strain of coronavirus that has impacted so many. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However with that being said, the recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and face mask usage.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html

Q2: How is it different from the other variants that we have seen before?

We know both Omicron and Delta are variants of the original SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as previous COVID-19 variants, according to the CDC, and it may cause more severe illness than previous variants in unvaccinated people. Now we have the Omicron variant that the World Health Organization mentions has a “large number of mutations,” and it seems to be more likely to reinfect people who have previously had COVID-19. What’s unclear right now, though, is whether Omicron is as contagious as Delta or even more infectious than Delta.

Source: https://www.prevention.com/health/a38400888/omicron-vs-delta-covid-19-variant-comparison/

Q3: There are also concerns that Omicron may be able to evade the vaccine on some level. Can you speak to that?

We don’t know how Omicron affects vaccine effectiveness against severe infection (hospitalization and death). We should have early answers in the coming weeks. New studies indicate that people who get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be better protected.

The best way to protect yourself against Omicron, or any variant of COVID-19 that is circulating, is to be vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19. Those who are not yet vaccinated should get their first COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Those due for a booster – all adults either two months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccination or six months after a Moderna or Pfizer vaccination – should get it as soon as possible. 

Source: https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2021/12/14/the-latest-on-the-omicron-variant-and-vaccine-protection/ 

Q4: Does Omicron pose higher risks for infants than other variants?

It’s not confirmed as yet but the research shows that among those age 4 or younger, 1% of admissions resulted in death, according to the data. However, the total number of admissions in that group was 70, making it unclear what the 1% figure represents.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/does-omicron-pose-higher-risks-infants-than-other-variants-2021-12-01/

Q5: The already vaccinated are being encouraged to get a booster. With the Omicron variant being here, what’s the next step? And what should pediatrics do in this case?

To keep children safe and calm, make sure that they adhere to the COVID-19 protocols of masking, social distancing, and hand sanitizing. Avoiding crowds and eating healthy would help. Also staying up to date with the children’s shots is a plus. There is still more research to be done to define the specific solutions for children in this Omicron challenge. 

Source: https://kalingatv.com/nation/how-to-keep-children-safe-from-covid-19-omicron-variant-know-tips/

Q6: We just came out of the Delta variant, what are you hearing about children being hospitalized and the impact of Omicron?

The World Health Organization is expected to have data on Omicron's transmissibility within days, but scientists said it could take two to four weeks to learn more about the variant. All they know for now is that it has similar attributes to COVID-19 but the specifics are still to be formally determined.

Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/does-omicron-pose-higher-risks-for-infants-than-other-variants-1.5689299

Q7: What’s the guidance for the holidays?

Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways that you can enjoy holiday traditions while still protecting your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.

Ways to protect yourself and your family are by doing things such as:

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html

Q8: Is the Omicron easily contagious? What’s the way forward now? How do people stay safe?

The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus is substantially more contagious and reduces the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, a study from South Africa released Tuesday found. Even though the variant so far seems to produce mostly mild disease, world health leaders warned it could bring a wave of illness that crushes health systems. But, “people who are fully vaccinated are still largely protected against severe disease, according to early data released.”

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/12/14/covid-omicron-south-africa-study/6502201001/

Local vaccine events

Date  | Time | Location | Address
Tuesday, Dec. 21 | 2 to 8 p.m. | Lloyd Center | 1260 Lloyd CenterPortland, OR 97232
Tuesday, Dec. 28 | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Highland Haven | 7600 NE Glisan StPortland, OR
Tuesday, Dec. 28 | 2 to 8 p.m. | Lloyd Center | 1260 Lloyd CenterPortland, OR 97232
Thursday, Dec. 30 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Lloyd Center | 1260 Lloyd CenterPortland, OR 97232

You can find more vaccine events at multco.us/vaccineclinics.

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.