The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in at least four Kentucky counties and it’s expected to become the dominant variant within the next few weeks.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack says the Omicron variant is one of the more contagious viruses the country has seen in some time.
The only good news is early indications from elsewhere in the world show the Omicron variant may produce less severe illness in most cases.
He says natural immunity from prior infection appears to not be as effective against the Omicron variant, but the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine still provide effective protection from hospitalization and death.
Governor Andy Beshear joined Dr. Stack in noting the variant will become the dominant strain soon and says the extreme transmissibility makes it important for school systems to have a masking mandate in place.
Recent data suggests monoclonal antibody treatments may not be as effective a treatment against the omicron variant.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said the mRNA vaccines are preferred over the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Those who previously had the J&J shot are encouraged to get a Pfizer or Moderna booster dose.