Health

CDC Urges COVID-19 Booster As New Omicron Subvariant Takes Hold

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By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan's CDC says a newly identified Omicron subvariant of COVID-19 now accounts for over 85% of cases in the past four weeks, as the country recorded three deaths from the virus last week and a seasonal record for new severe cases. Health officials are urging high-risk groups who received their last dose three months ago to get a second booster shot as soon as possible, with free doses available through late September while supplies last.

New COVID-19 Variant

 

REPORTER:  
High-risk groups who had their last dose three months ago should get their second shot as soon as possible because getting the second dose before the wave peaks can further boost their immune response.

 

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control says a newly identified Omicron sub-variant accounts for over 85 percent of cases in the last four weeks. The country saw three deaths from COVID-19 last week, with the number of new severe cases hitting a record high for the season. Free booster jabs are available through late September while supplies last.

 

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New COVID-19 Strain

 

REPORTER:  
Taiwan health authorities warn that a new mutation is becoming dominant in the ongoing COVID infection wave.

 

High-risk groups who are three months out from their last dose should get their second shot as soon as possible, because getting the second dose before the wave peaks can boost their immune response again.

 

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control says the PQ.16.1.1 strain has become dominant domestically in the current wave of infections, which has seen a surge in Covid-related patient cases and three deaths. The government is advising vulnerable groups to get state-funded boosters to protect against serious illness. The jabs are available through late September while supplies last.