Additional Resources: OHA (COVID-19 vaccine info for parents/guardians, boosters, J&J FAQ, Pfizer guidance, Omicron facts, Facebook, Safe+Strong website), CDC (Omicron, Breakthrough Infections, Booster Recommendations, J&J Overview), Ask a Black Doctor, REACH (webpage/Facebook).
COVID-19: Omicron, Boosters, and Breakthrough Cases
Q1: Why are boosters effective against Omicron? Omicron's mutations raise concern for spread and vaccine effectiveness against infection, but vaccines are still believed to prevent severe illness (hospitalization/death). Boosters may offer better protection.
Q2: When should people get a booster? CDC recommends age 16+ get a booster 6 months after Pfizer/Moderna or 2 months after J&J. FDA expanded Pfizer boosters to 12-15, shortened the booster timeline to 5 months, and allowed a third primary dose for immunocompromised 5-11 year olds. CDC now recommends the shortened timeline and third dose for immunocompromised children. Oregon implementation is pending.
Q3: Booster considerations? CDC recommends mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) over J&J due to higher effectiveness and safety. J&J recipients should get an mRNA booster, but can still request J&J after being informed of risks, as benefits still outweigh not getting vaccinated.
Q4: J&J vaccine risks? J&J is linked to rare but elevated risks of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). TTS involves blood clots and low platelets, potentially leading to heart attack/stroke or easy bleeding. GBS is a rare autoimmune nerve damage causing weakness or paralysis.
Q5: When might someone prefer J&J? Individuals who developed myocarditis/pericarditis (rare, mostly males 12-25) or had an allergic reaction (rare, usually within 15 min) to a prior mRNA vaccine may prefer J&J. The risk of severe COVID-19 is much greater than these vaccine-related heart conditions. Consult your healthcare provider with concerns.
Q6: More breakthrough infections with Omicron? Yes, Omicron's high transmissibility means more infections, even in vaccinated people. Vaccinated individuals with Omicron can spread the virus. Breakthrough symptoms are similar to unvaccinated cases but typically milder, or asymptomatic. If fully vaccinated and experiencing unusual symptoms, get tested and contact your primary care provider if positive.
Q7: How to protect against breakthrough infections and stop Omicron? Vaccination (including boosters) is the best protection. Other measures include wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowds/poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Breakthrough Cases (Dec. 19-25, 2021):
Of 6,993 COVID-19 cases, 4,426 (63.3%) were unvaccinated and 2,567 (36.7%) were breakthrough cases. Median age of breakthrough cases was 36. OHA's Breakthrough Report has more details.
Local Vaccine Events:
Jan. 8: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Latino Network, 312 SE 165th Portland, OR
Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Highland Haven, 7600 NE Glisan St Portland, OR
More events at multco.us/vaccineclinics.
Document Accessibility: For alternate formats (translations, large print, braille), contact OHA Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.
