Omicron variant: CDC recommends COVID-19 booster for all adults amid latest threat

This browser does not support the video element.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its COVID-19 vaccine booster recommendations late Monday afternoon to include all adults, regardless of health status or occupation, as uncertainty surrounding the newly detected omicron variant swells.

>> Read more trending news

“The recent emergence of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a prepared statement, noting early data on the emergent variant suggests increased transmissibility.

>> Related: President Joe Biden speaks about omicron COVID-19 variant, urges vaccines

The strengthened recommendation comes barely four days after the omicron variant was first detected in South Africa.

>> Related: Coronavirus: Fauci says he ‘would not be surprised’ to find omicron variant in US

“I strongly encourage the 47 million (U.S.) adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness,” Walensky stated, encouraging anyone feeling ill to follow through by getting tested for COVID-19.

>> Related: Omicron variant: What are the symptoms; are vaccines effective; what we know now

“Increased testing will help us identify omicron quickly,” she added.

Specifically, the CDC is now urging all adults to seek COVID-19 boosters six months after the second dose of Pfizer/BioNTech’s or Moderna’s vaccine or two months after the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Previously, the CDC said people should get a booster if they are 50 and older, or 18 and older and living in a long-term care facility. Otherwise, it advised that anyone 18 and older may get a booster. Now the word “should” applies to everyone 18 and older, CNN reported.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does