Now, new variant names will now use Greek letters instead of place of discovery. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the change.
All viruses change and evolve over time. And they create new variants.
Since January, 2020, WHO has been tracking new COVID-19 variants.
More, since the pandemic started, new variant names have popularly used the country they were first identified in. This includes the “Brazil variant”, the South Africa variant” and so on.
While this method has been convenient, it sends the wrong health message. And some may be under the false impression the country of discovery is responsible for the variant.
Under this new system, existing variants will be renamed, too. The former “UK variant” is now the Alpha variant. And the former South Africa variant is the Beta variant. There are others, too.
Vaccines are Key
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, adults in the United States can now get a free vaccine regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Moreover, they are safe and effective. Also, while some “breakthrough cases” do occur, vaccines substantially curb the symptoms.
Additionally, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus. More, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing your second dose.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
Vaccines also protect others. More, it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. Also you can be infected with it but show no symptoms, but still can spread it to others.
Please get vaccinated. And encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote a number of articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time. Thus, the strains currently being spread are different from the strains from last year.
So even if you had the virus, you can potentially get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.
How to get Vaccinated
There are several options, and the shot is available in many stores and clinics. Here are some methods:
Schedule by Phone
Schedule by calling 800-232-0233. Also, it covers all 50 states.
Schedule Online
Another alternative is to schedule online at Vaccines.gov. Moreover, it covers all 50 states.
Photograph by Spencer Davis