A Servant Leader for District 76 

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                                                                              COVID UPDATE

In an effort to keep you informed about the latest news related to COVID-19, we wanted to update you on the Omicron variant, new authorization of a treatment to prevent COVID-19 in certain individuals, and new booster recommendations.

Omicron Variant 

• Since the Omicron variant was identified, we expected to see cases here in the United States. 

• To date, the Omicron variant has not been identified in Arkansas. 

• Despite the detection of Omicron, the Delta variant remains the most common strain in the United States and Arkansas. 

• It is not yet known how easily Omicron spreads compared to the Delta variant. 

• More studies are needed to know if there is more severe illness or death in people infected with the Omicron variant who have already been vaccinated or become reinfected. 

• Based on early information from South Africa, no unusual symptoms have been reported in people who have become infected with the Omicron variant. 

Authorization of Antibody Cocktail for Immunocompromised People 

• On Wednesday, December 8,  2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized AstraZeneca’s antibody medicine designed to prevent COVID-19 in certain adult and patients aged 12 years and older, who are not currently infected with COVID-19 and have not been exposed to someone with the virus. 

• In order to receive this medicine, the patients need to either have moderate to severely compromised immune systems due to medical conditions or medications/treatments or have a history of a severe adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. 

• The preventative medicine is administered in two injections given during the same clinic visit. 

• This medicine could prevent COVID-19 in at-risk individuals for six months. 

• While this is not substitute for vaccination, there are certain immune compromised individuals who cannot receive a vaccination and need an alternative option to prevent infection. 

Booster Recommendations 

• On Thursday, December 9, 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded COVID-19 vaccine Booster Recommendations to 16-and-17-year-olds. 

• At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17. 

• COVID-19 boosters help increase the protection against Omicron and other variants. 

We are still learning about the emerging COVID-19 variants. However, we know what people can do to protect themselves. That includes getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors in communities of high transmission regardless of vaccination status, staying 6 feet away from people, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. For information on where you can go to get vaccinated, go here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/adh-covid-19-vaccine-clinics.wn-like spikes on their surface. There are currently seven different strains of this virus with COVID-19 being the latest addition. According to the World Health Organization 80% of people with COVID-19 have a mild form of the illness with cold- or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath). The people most likely to get seriously ill from this virus are people over 60 and/or those with pre-existing health conditions. Individuals experiencing symptoms and who recently traveled to an infected area or haves come into contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider and tell them their symptoms and contact with the virus.

Since treatments and vaccines are not currently available, preventing the spread of COVID-19 will be the best way to protect people. Below are methods to reduce the risk of transmission; reinforcement of these practices through your office can help combat the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses such as the common cold and influenza.