The best way to protect yourself against the Omicron variant is by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been effective against previous variants, especially in preventing severe illness and death. Preliminary data show that the initial courses of vaccine — two doses of Pfizer and Moderna and one dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) — offer less protection against infection with Omicron than with previous strains. However, Pfizer and Moderna have reported that getting a booster dose of their vaccines provides greater protection. “Vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19,” says Erin McCreary, PharmD, infectious diseases specialist, UPMC. Americans ages 5 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, many Americans are eligible for additional or booster doses of the vaccine. For information on who is eligible for additional doses, visit our website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all Americans who are eligible for a booster dose should get one. If you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine or a booster dose and would like to schedule an appointment with UPMC, visit Vaccine.UPMC.com. “It’s very likely that the current vaccines will continue to offer protection against Omicron,” Dr. Snyder says. “Boosters are recommended for all adults and can ensure your immune system remains prepared.” In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important to follow other COVID-19 prevention protocols. That includes wearing a facemask that covers your nose and mouth while in public in areas where COVID-19 spread is high. It’s especially important if you are not fully vaccinated or if you are at high risk for COVID-19 complications. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, don’t go to work or school and get tested as soon as possible. A lab test is necessary to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis. “My plea to you during this holiday season is that everyone who is eligible for COVID-19 and a flu vaccine, make the choice to get one,” says Donald M. Yealy, MD, senior vice president, and chief medical officer, UPMC. “That, plus masking when you’re indoors or in crowds with those who are not in your immediate family, are the best protection from COVID-19 and flu. If you get sick, stay home and get tested. That allows us to help you better.” An early COVID-19 diagnosis also can help treatment begin more quickly. Monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 is an effective treatment for COVID-19 if treatment begins within seven days of symptoms appearing. Paxlovid, an oral antiviral medication, also is available for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. You can get it at a retail pharmacy with a prescription. COVID-19 patients should receive either Paxlovid or monoclonal antibodies — not both. Patients must have a doctor referral and a high-risk medical condition to receive monoclonal antibodies at this time. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate. If you don’t qualify for monoclonal antibodies, ask your doctor if you qualify for Paxlovid. UPMC remains committed to protecting our communities against COVID-19. For more information, visit our website.