The new variants

[dolphins4life]

The new variants are Ba.4 and Ba.5.

Previous infection and vaccinations are NOT effective against them.

I have the moderna vaccine and booster.

Instead of getting the second booster, should I get another vaccine that targets the new variants?

[Dave Gray]

Instead of getting the second booster, should I get another vaccine that targets the new variants?

I don't think one exists yet, do they?

You don't have to choose what to get -- just get whatever boosters are available to you on whatever schedule you're supposed to and they'll be using the best vaccine available.   The flu vaccine changes every year -- you don't pick which version to get.

[Spider-Dan]

The new variants are Ba.4 and Ba.5.

Previous infection and vaccinations are NOT effective against them.

That's a misleading statement:

Right now, omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 account for more than 80% of cases circulating. Experts say the current shots don’t prevent infection from BA.4 and BA.5 as well. Indeed, breakthrough infections and reinfections are reported regularly.

Experts say the shots can, however, reduce the risk an infected person will develop complications of the virus.

So while the COVID vaccines may not completely prevent infection, they continue to reduce the risk of developing serious complications.

As per the same article, BA.4/BA.5 specific vaccines are not expected until this fall.

[Phishfan]

Why do we have to keep telling this guy the purpose of the vaccine? We have known very early that it doesn't prevent infection regardless what variant.

[ArtieChokePhin]

Why do we have to keep telling this guy the purpose of the vaccine? We have known very early that it doesn't prevent infection regardless what variant.

Not to mention that we all know that every time a new variant comes out, it's weaker than the previous one.   At this point, COVID is down to a bad cold.  If you have a cold, stay home.  If not, go about your business.   No need to get vaccinated or shut down businesses anymore. 

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Not to mention that we all know that every time a new variant comes out, it's weaker than the previous one.   At this point, COVID is down to a bad cold.  If you have a cold, stay home.  If not, go about your business.   No need to get vaccinated or shut down businesses anymore. 

That is definitely false.  Some variants are stronger some are weaker.  There absolutely is a need to get vaccinated and stay current because the vaccine is what transforms Covid from needing an ICU to getting by on cough drops and chicken soup.

[ArtieChokePhin]

That is definitely false.  Some variants are stronger some are weaker. 

Bullshit.   It's common knowledge that a virus weakens when it mutates.   People like you need to quit using your liberal fearmongering as an excuse to advocate removing freedoms of American citizens.   

[Dave Gray]

Bullshit.   It's common knowledge that a virus weakens when it mutates. 

That's just not true, dude....scientifically false.

The variant can get stronger or weaker in a mutation.  Mutations are, by their very nature, random.

It's just that, over the long haul, if a virus is killing its host faster than it can spread, that variant will not thrive.

[EDGECRUSHER]

The new variants are Ba.4 and Ba.5.

Previous infection and vaccinations are NOT effective against them.

I have the moderna vaccine and booster.

Instead of getting the second booster, should I get another vaccine that targets the new variants?

I'm not going to comment on vaccines and boosters but make sure you are taking care of yourself first. Get regular exercise, fresh air and eat clean, no processed junk. I don't know your physical status, but obesity is the #1 killer in this country and the top underlying factor for people who have died or had complications from Covid.

There is no shot better than a healthy immune system.