#17,247
Although it is too early to predict how much of an impact the recently discovered, and highly mutated, BA.2.86 variant will have on the trajectory of COVID this fall, it has certainly grabbed the attention of researchers, and public health entities, around the globe.
CDC Initial Risk Assessment On COVID BA.2.86
UKHSA Risk Initial Risk Assessment & Update on BA.2.86
This variant has been detected in more than a dozen countries so far, and while it is expected to be highly evasive of pre-existing immunity (from vaccines or previous infections), we don't know if it will produce more severe illness.
Yesterday, New York City's Department of Health announced the detection of BA.2.86 in local wastewater, which suggests the variant is already circulating in the local population:
STATEMENT FROM THE NYC HEALTH COMMISSIONER DR. ASHWIN VASANON THE BA.2.86 COVID-19 VARIANT
Like all viruses, Covid-19 adapts, and we continue to adapt to keep New Yorkers safe too. One recent change to COVID-19 is the BA.2.86 variant, which has been seen in other parts of the U.S. and was recently detected in New York City’s sewage. While we have yet to find it in a specimen from a local resident, it is almost certainly circulating here.
Based on the degree of mutations – while vaccinated people continue to be protected against serious illness – this variant may be more likely to evade immunity that has developed from vaccination or prior infection than earlier variants. But there is currently no indication that it causes more severe illness.
e continue to monitor this carefully, alongside our colleagues at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As cases rise, precautions become increasingly important, especially for our most vulnerable New Yorkers who are older, disabled, or have underlying health conditions.
Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, along with other proven prevention tools – like masking, testing, and staying home when sick – continue to be our best defense against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
Antibodies from vaccination and prior infection will continue to provide some protection, as will available antiviral treatments like Paxlovid, which is still effective against all circulating strains of COVID-19. As we enter the traditional respiratory virus season, an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available in the coming weeks.
Studies are still evaluating the new booster for its effectiveness against the BA.2.86 variant, but indicators suggest it will be effective at preventing severe illness and death.
That’s why it’s especially important that New Yorkers that are most vulnerable get the new booster when it's available. New Yorkers should talk to their health care or vaccination providers about the updated COVID-19 vaccine and this year’s flu vaccine. It is also a perfect time to get this year’s flu vaccine when available. For new parents, talk to your child’s pediatrician about the benefits of the RSV monoclonal antibody for infants, and for older or at-risk adults, talk to your provider about getting the new RSV vaccine.
For assistance with finding a health care provider, call 311 or visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find a location near you and make an appointment.
While we don't know how protective this fall's updated COVID vaccine will be against BA.2.86 infection (it was formulated with XBB.1.5) - I still plan to get it - since it should reduce the risks of serious illness or death, and XBB strains may continue to circulate.
But one type of intervention we know works against all strains are NPIs; face masks, hand washing, and avoiding crowds.
They may not be popular in some circles, but if properly, and consistently employed . . . they can significantly reduce one's risk of infection.
YMMV, but until we know more about the risks from BA.2.86 (and other emerging variants), I consider their inconvenience to be cheap insurance.
