5 Dec
2021
5 Dec
'21
12:32 a.m.
Friday night, it was reported that the New Jersey Department of Health identified a case
of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in a traveler to the state of New Jersey who had
recently traveled to South Africa.
Although there is still very much unknown about this new variant, the World Health
Organization (WHO) has designated it a variant of
concern<https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicr…rn>.
Studies are underway to evaluate the transmissibility, severity, and reinfection risk of
the variant. Given the unique signature generated by this variant, PCR tests are able to
identify the Omicron variant.
To protect against this new variant, the WHO has recommended accelerating COVID-19
vaccination coverage as rapidly as
possible<https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2021-update-on-omicron>on>, especially
among populations designated as “high priority” who remain unvaccinated or are not fully
vaccinated.
Statewide, NJ is still registering more than 1,000 new confirmed cases a day, which is
being largely fueled by the Delta variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
continue to provide updated information on both the Delta and
Omicron<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs…
variants.
A recent study published in Science Magazine
<https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm0620> shows a decline in vaccine
effectiveness over time, with vaccine efficacy among a large group of veterans dropping
between 35% and 85%.
During the Governor’s briefing this past Monday, the NJ DOH Commissioner said that booster
uptake will be vital in blunting the impact of this and any other new variant that may
occur. Booster doses provide essential additional protection to those with waning
immunity, particularly with the Delta variant still having a significant impact in NJ.
The state is also actively working to increase vaccination among younger populations.
Among children 5-11years old in NJ, 12% have been vaccinated. 27% of those between the
ages of 5-17 have completed their primary vaccination series and 38% of 5-17-year-olds
have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
There are almost 2,000 COVID-19 vaccine distribution locations across NJ. A complete list
of NJ’s vaccination centers is available online at
covid19.nj.gov/pages/finder<https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/finder>er>. Feel free to reach
out to the NJ Vaccination Call Center at (855) 568-0545 if you need assistance in finding
or scheduling an appointment.
Have a great week, and take care!
Sarah Neibart
Mayor, Mendham Township