Constant mutations make the coronavirus a moving target. So while officials are largely confident that California and the U.S. are relatively well positioned heading into colder months, they continue to keep a watchful eye on the horizon.
The updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shots are available at more than 1,500 sites in Los Angeles County. Here’s how to get one.
Another subvariant, BA.2.3.20, could potentially be even worse because it has lots of mutations, though its level of immune escape hasn’t been characterized, Topol said. And a fourth subvariant worth watching is known as XBB.UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong is keeping an eye on another subvariant, BF.7, also known as BA.5.2.1.7, which could be contributing to a significant share of cases in Belgium and other European countries.
But what’s worrisome about other strains that have a high level of immune escape, including BA.2.75.2, is that they could begin a new surge and potentially reinfect people who have recovered even recently — something that occurred this summer when BA.5“What we’ve learned during Omicron is vaccinated people can die, too, if they’re not boosted,” Chin-Hong said. “And it’s disproportionately affecting the older folks.
But for people at higher risk, their immune system needs to be prodded more frequently through booster shots to keep them better protected. Their immune systems “are more sluggish. They definitely need more reminders,” Chin-Hong said.