What you should know about booster shots, omicron variant this holiday season

Pfizer and BioNTech said three doses of their coronavirus vaccine appear to “neutralize” the omicron variant of COVID-19, while two doses show “significantly reduced neutralization,” according to preliminary data released Wednesday.

The announcement came about two weeks before Christmas, when many are trying to get their booster shots for better protection at holiday gatherings.

Pfizer’s results from its early study could move more people to get the third shot.

Below is what you need to know about booster shots and the omicron variant ahead of the holidays.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective at preventing the omicron variant?

Pfizer announced results from an initial laboratory study involving its vaccine and the omicron variant. In a news release, the company said, “Serum antibodies induced by the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine neutralize the omicron variant after three doses.”

The company’s CEO and chairman added: “Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with a third dose of our vaccine.”

Have any cases of the omicron variant been found in North or South Carolina?

“We have not seen any cases of omicron as of yet that we have identified, but keeping a close eye on that,” said Doctor Katie Passaretti, Vice President & Enterprise Chief Epidemiologist at Atrium Health.

While no cases of the new variant have been reported in North or South Carolina, Atrium Health and Passaretti have been warning the public to prepare for omicron, especially as holiday gatherings approach.

Should I get a booster shot before the holidays?

“Everyone eligible for a booster, we strongly encourage doing it before omicron hits, to go ahead and get that booster and just be conscious throughout holidays,” Passaretti said.

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least two months after their initial Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine or six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

What is the best way to prevent the spread of the omicron variant?

Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists are currently investigating omicron, including how protected fully-vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated.

What’s being done to learn more about the omicron variant?

CDC scientists are working with partners to gather data and virus samples that can be studied to answer important questions about the omicron variant. Scientific experiments have already started. CDC will provide updates as soon as possible.

(WATCH BELOW: Holiday event organizers adjust plans amid concerns about omicron variant)