In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers evaluated neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant induced by booster vaccination (third dose) with Pfizer-BioNTech’s BNT162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine. They also assessed the association between serological nAb titers, risk of breakthrough infections, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptomatology.
SStudies have reported that two doses of COVID-19 vaccines (prime vaccination) have conferred immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC); however, the vaccination-induced serological immunity has been reported to wane with time. The continual emergence of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs such as Omicron with greater immune-evasiveness and transmissibility coupled with the eventual waning of immunity has warranted booster vaccinations.
A new omicron subvariant is emerging in the United States as cases and deaths trend upwards, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
The BA.4.6 already makes up 9.2% of reported cases while BA.5 remains the dominant strain behind 87.5% of reported infections. These new omicron subvariants are highly contagious and evade immunity acquired through the vaccine or previous infections.
Omicron symptoms are also much different than symptoms of the original COVID-19 virus.
What are the top omicron symptoms?
omicron subvariants have a shorter incubation period, which is why the symptoms may appear earlier.
The most common omicron-related symptoms are:
- Cough.
- Fatigue.
- Congestion.
- Runny nose.
Other common COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headache.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Diarrhea.
Can booster shots offer protection?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said there is no evidence that the two new subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more severe than others, but it is clear that immunity acquired through previous infection or vaccination is not as effective against them.
“If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster,’’ CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told NPR ”I strongly encourage you to receive it.”
An additional shot can reduce the risk of dying from the virus.
- Experts expect the common side effects of the new Omicron booster to be similar to previous COVID-19 shots.
- The side effects include fatigue, headache, fever, skin redness, and muscle pain.
The experts note that the new booster might be more effective at preventing serious illness because it targets the current circulating variants more precisely.
The vaccine can contain the virus, but we still need to be protected