Boosters 'Absolutely Essential' As Omicron Gains Ground: WA DOH

WASHINGTON — It's been nearly a year since the first COVID-19 vaccines rolled out, and state health officials are recommending that everyone 18 and older seek out boosters as the omicron variant makes headway in Washington and across the nation, especially as Christmas approaches.

"Being fully vaccinated is not enough against this evolving virus," said Dr. Umair Shah, the state Secretary of Health. "It is absolutely essential that every eligible adult receive a COVID-19 booster as soon as possible. Boosters are necessary and provide an extra layer of protection before seeing friends and family this holiday season."

The Washington State Department of Health confirmed its first three omicron cases over the weekend, identified in King, Pierce and Thurston counties. While there are still many unknowns about the latest variant of concern, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe existing vaccines are effective against omicron, state leaders say it's best to book a booster as soon as possible to maximize their effectiveness.

"Washington adults should not delay receiving their booster until more is known about omicron," Shah said. "Vaccination and boosters are the best weapons we have to fight coronavirus now — preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death."

Since booster eligibility expanded to all adults, demand has increased, and finding an appointment can be challenging. The health department said it requested additional doses from the federal government, which were scheduled for delivery this week.

Officials encourage residents to check multiple locations for an appointment and book whatever is available. Anyone who previously received any of the three approved vaccines can receive any of the boosters.

Here's when you should seek a COVID-19 booster:

• Six months after you receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
• Two months after you receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

On top of seeking a booster, local health officials encourage keeping up the other "layers of protection," including proper mask use, improving indoor airflow, and trying to avoid crowded spaces where possible.

"Even with a highly mutated virus like omicron, we are not going back to square one of the pandemic," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County's top health official. "Omicron may pose new challenges that we will need to respond to, but compared to the early days of the pandemic, we know much more about COVID-19, and we're better prepared for it. We know layered protections work together to maximally reduce risk, and that will continue to be the case for delta and for omicron if that becomes a dominant strain circulating in our community."

Search for appointments near you using Washington's VaccineLocator tool, and learn more about what to expect with omicron via Public Health Insider.