Message from the IHS Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Loretta Christensen

COVID-19 Community Updates

With the holiday season upon us, we must continue to stress how critical it is to get vaccinated and to get booster shots before gathering with family and friends. The recent emergence of the omicron variant has further emphasized the importance of primary vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. Vaccination remains the best public health measure to protect from disease, slow the spread of COVID-19, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.

 

I know there is a lot of concern over the omnicron variant. 

 

I will share what we do know:

 

  • As of December 1, 2021, omicron has been identified in the United States. Omicron is reported now in more than 20 countries 
  • There is still a lot to learn about omicron. We don't yet know the transmissibility or the severity of the disease it causes, but the U.S. is working with international partners to learn more.  
  • The overwhelming majority of the coronavirus cases are caused by the highly transmissible delta variant. The delta variant represents more than 99% of circulating strains. 
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with public health officials to quickly identify omicron in the U.S. CDC has continuously monitored variants and vastly expanded its capacity for genomic sequencing over the past nine months.  

 

Scientists are currently investigating omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people against infection, hospitalization, and death. We recommend that everyone five years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated, and we encourage a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for those 18 and over. 

 

The Indian Health Service works closely with our tribal and urban Indian organization partners and state and local public health officials to coordinate a comprehensive public health response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At IHS, we remain vigilant and committed to protecting American Indian and Alaska Native communities from COVID-19 with safe, effective, and long-lasting vaccines. It is crucial as we are dealing with a constantly changing virus. Vaccines remain the most powerful tool we have against COVID-19. IHS will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.  

 

If you're not yet vaccinated – now is the time. In high and substantial transmission areas, regardless of vaccination status, it's important to wear a mask indoors, remember to stay 6 feet away from people and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated areas. Please assist us in sharing information on the importance of vaccination with your friends, family, and tribal members who have not already been vaccinated. Also, remind them that anyone age five and older can be protected with COVID-19 vaccination, and boosters are available to everyone 18 and older. Resources for communicating important information about vaccines and boosters are available on the IHS website.

 

Thank you for working in partnership with us as we do all we can to reach community immunity!