DALLAS – Dallas-based clinics expect demand for boosters to rise in the next few weeks, with questions revolving around the new COIVD-19 Omicron variant. Pharmacies and clinics saw a similar trend during the delta rise.
Pharmacists assure that there is no problem of supply even though they are going through the vaccines faster.
The World Health Organization warned on Monday that the global risk from the Omicron variant is very high.
South African scientists have identified this variant and warned against it. As a result, the United States and other countries banned travel from that country and several surrounding countries.
The president has urged people to get vaccinated and boosted, although little is known about how the variant works.
Vaccination walk-ins are welcome at Preston Road Pharmacy in Dallas.
“I was a little worried because I had heard from all the pharmacy chains that all of their appointments were booked when the news of the variant came out,” said Tracy Acosta, a pharmacist with Preston Road Pharmacy.
Acosta faced an influx of patients on Monday asking for booster shots and asking questions about the new COVID-19 variant.
“They want to know what the future will be, so we’ll work with the information we have,” she said.
The Omicron variant has already been proven in 16 countries.
However, President Joe Biden remained confident.
“This variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic,” he said.
The president also defended a move by his administration to ban travel from South Africa and several surrounding countries.
MORE: Biden: Omicron variant “cause for concern”, but don’t panic, pushes COVID-19 shots
South Africa has identified and reported the new variant. Critics pointed out that a ban may not make much of a difference and say it sends the wrong message.
Mr Biden hopes his travel ban will give Americans time to fully vaccinate and freshen up. However, it is still unclear how well existing vaccines work against it.
“The current vaccines offer at least some protection against the new variant, and boosters increase this protection considerably. We don’t think there is any essential action required, ”he said.
The Omicron variant will lead to new travel restrictions in the USA from Monday
Biden says all three vaccine manufacturers are making contingency plans. He stressed that bans and mandates are not coming.
“I haven’t read anything to worry about the vaccine won’t work,” said Acosta. “It’s a little wait and see. I’m always on the safe side.”
There have been no Omicron cases in the US to date, but that’s only a matter of time, according to federal health officials.
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