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NIAID director Anthony Fauci said Wednesday that there is "no need for a variant-specific booster" at this time because research shows that the current U.S. booster vaccine programs are effective against Omicron.
The big picture: While the Delta variant still accounts for the majority of coronavirus cases in the U.S., the number of Omicron-driven cases are expected to quickly rise.
- Omicron has been detected in at least 33 states, CDC director Rochelle Walensky told NBC's Today on Tuesday.
What they're saying: "Our booster vaccine regimens work against Omicron. At this point, there is no need for a variant-specific booster," Fauci said.
- The "message remains clear. If you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated, and particularly in the arena of Omicron, if you are fully vaccinated, get your booster shot," Fauci said.
- White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients echoed Fauci, saying: "If you're eligible for a booster shot, it's critical that you go get boosted today. Don't wait."
Don't forget: Currently, everyone over the age of 16 is eligible to receive a booster shot.
Go deeper: The winter Omicron wave is coming — quickly