Should we be worried about new omicron variant? Advice from NHS Highland’s director of public health and policy Dr Tim Allison:
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Covid is definitely back in the headlines thanks to the new variant.
It has been named like other variants with a Greek letter and is called omicron – little O. So, should we be worried about it and what should we do?
New variants are bound to appear, because viruses change over time. The concern about omicron is that there are more changes in the virus than we have seen in other variants.
This does not necessarily mean that it is more dangerous, but it does mean that we need to be cautious. As I write this, we still do not know all the characteristics of omicron, but it is right to take precautions such as changes in travel regulations.
Omicron is a variant, but it is still Covid and the message of what to do remains largely the same. Making sure that we keep good hygiene, washing our hands, wearing face coverings, ensuring good ventilation and avoiding crowded indoor spaces will reduce the spread of all types of Covid as well as other infections.
Testing and isolation are also vital, especially if we have symptoms.
Vaccination continues to be the main way that we can reduce the impact of Covid both for ourselves and for others.
The vaccines were designed to tackle infection with the original Covid virus but have been effective against variants too. So, vaccination remains vital in our efforts against the omicron variant and other variants that may arise in the future.
Delivery of vaccination locally has been done both through general practice and clinics run by the health board.
Recently people aged between 40 and 49 have been added to the list of those who are going to be offered booster vaccination and younger adults will be following.
Plans for these vaccinations are being developed and most people will have the opportunity to book their own appointment for vaccination by using the national website portal.
Once you have been invited for vaccination or when you have been notified that you can book an appointment, please take up the opportunity.
Even if you have not yet had a vaccine, or if you have just had one dose, it is not too late to complete the course, getting yourself and others protected against Covid.
You can register online for your first dose if you haven’t managed to have
it yet. If you are due a second dose, NHS Highland will send you an appointment.
For younger people, we are continuing to provide clinics in or near schools for 12-17-year-olds, working with schools to let parents know how these will operate.
• Dr Tim Allison is NHS Highland’s director of public health and policy.
