Episode 29: Omicron, Boosters and Breakthrough Cases

Additional resources

COVID-19 Omicron Variant, Booster Doses and Breakthrough Cases

Q1: We’ve been hearing that getting a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine will help protect against the Omicron variant. Why is that?

Omicron has a number of mutations (approximately 50) that raise concern that it will spread more easily, may affect vaccine effectiveness and immunity. Because of these mutations, we think vaccines will be less effective against preventing infection with COVID-19. 

Early laboratory data seems to support this. However, we believe that vaccines will remain effective against preventing severe infection (i.e., hospitalization and death). Early information out of South Africa and Europe seem to support this as well. With time, we will learn more. And, laboratory studies indicate that people who get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be better protected.

Q2: When should people get a booster dose?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 16 and older receive a booster dose once they’re eligible: six months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after a dose of Johnson & Johnson. Right now, people 16-17 years of age are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer vaccine in three ways: 

The CDC now recommends two of these changes: the shortened booster timeline and the third dose for immunocompromised children. However, several steps must be taken over the next few days before any of these changes are implemented in Oregon.  

Q3: Are there certain things we need to consider when getting a booster dose? 

The CDC supports the recommendation that people 18 and older get an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine over Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. This is because the mRNA vaccines have proven to be more effective and safer. The new guidance also recommends that anyone who had a Johnson & Johnson vaccine as their first dose should get an mRNA vaccine as the booster dose. 

But people can still request a Johnson & Johnson vaccine if they want one and have been informed about the vaccine’s risks. The benefits of receiving the vaccine still outweigh the risks of not getting a COVID-19 vaccine. 

You can learn more about the who should and should not get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on the CDC website.

Q4: What are the risks associated with Johnson & Johnson vaccines?

The CDC has found that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine continues to be associated with an elevated risk of two specific conditions: Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Although both conditions are still rare, the occurrence is higher than originally thought.

Q5: Can you give an example of when someone might still prefer to get a booster dose of Johnson & Johnson instead of Pfizer or Moderna?

Someone might prefer to get Johnson & Johnson instead of Pfizer or Moderna if they:

If you have concerns about which vaccine you should get, ask your health care provider. 

Q6: With the Omicron variant, are we more likely to see more COVID-19 infections in vaccinated people? If so, what does that look like?

Omicron is highly transmissible, which makes it more likely that we will see more infections, even in vaccinated people. The CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

The symptoms for breakthrough COVID-19 cases are similar to COVID-19 symptoms in unvaccinated people, but typically are milder as far as severity. You may not notice any symptoms at all.

If you are fully vaccinated and develop a fever, feel ill, or experience any symptom that is not typical for you, taking a COVID-19 test may be a good idea. If you test positive, please contact your primary care provider.

Q7: How can we protect each other from breakthrough infections and help stop the spread of Omicron?

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 should get it as soon as possible.

Other ways to protect yourself and your loved ones are by doing things such as:

Breakthrough cases as of Dec. 30, 2021

During the week of December 19–December 25, there were 6,993 cases of COVID-19. 4,426 (63.3%) were unvaccinated and 2,567 (36.7%) were vaccine breakthrough cases. The median age of breakthrough cases was 36 years. 15 (0.6%) breakthrough cases were residents of care facilities, senior living communities or other congregate living settings. 274 (10.7%) cases were 65 or older. There were 137 (5.3%) cases aged 12-17.

To learn more, read OHA’s Breakthrough Report.

Local vaccine events

Date | Time | Location | Address
Saturday, Jan. 8 | 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Latino Network  | 312 SE 165th Portland, OR
Tuesday, Jan. 25 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Highland Haven | 7600 NE Glisan StPortland, OR
Tuesday, Feb. 8 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Highland Haven | 7600 NE Glisan StPortland, OR
Tuesday, Feb. 22 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Highland Haven | 7600 NE Glisan StPortland, OR

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.