The Omicron coronaviruses variant was discussed during a press briefing at the White House.
White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday that lab studies suggest that booster shots will give you cross protection against a wide range of Covid-19 variant.
Fauci said at a White House press briefing that booster shots increase the amount of anti-viruses in the body. Third shots increase the number of cells in the immune system that are called memory B cells and T cells.
T cells target and destroy other cells that have a virus, while memory B cells fightbacteria.
Fauci said that there is every reason to believe that you would have at least some degree of cross protection. It's very likely against severe disease, even against the omicron variant.
The world is grappling with a new variant of Covid-19.
More than 30 of the 50 mutations in the variant are on the spikeProtein, which is the mechanism used by the virus to attach to human cells. According to the World Health Organization, some of the genes are associated with higher transmission and a decrease in protection.
The U.S. joins at least 38 other countries with confirmed cases of the omicron variant. Nebraska officials confirmed six new infections on Friday, bringing the number of cases in the U.S. to at least 12.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told all adults on Monday that they should get an additional dose of Covid-19 booster shots. The CDC says that everyone should get an additional shot six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after their first Johnson & Johnson shot.
Up to 100 million eligible Americans will be given Covid-19 vaccine booster shots thanks to the Biden administration.
He promised more outreach, more appointments, more hours, and more sites to walk in.
Half of eligible seniors have already received a booster shot, according to the White House.
Health officials in the U.S. and around the world still worry that the omicron variant may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
A study published in the journal Science showed that the Pfizer vaccine's effectiveness at preventing infections declined from February to October. The study found that Moderna's vaccine dropped from 89% to 42%, and J&J's vaccine fell from 86% to 13%.
A clinical trial of 10,000 people showed that Pfizer's booster dose gave 98% protection against the symptoms of a disease.
