Understanding the Omicron Variant in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The proposed chapter aims to provide an overview of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant and its potential effects on public health. The origins of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolution through time will be briefly covered at the beginning of the chapter with an emphasis on the emergence of new variants. The next section will present an overview of Omicron, outlining where it was first identified, the key mutations that set it apart from prior variants, and how it has spread worldwide. In the following section, we will briefly discuss the evidence regarding Omicron’s rapid spread in comparison to other COVID-19 variants along with any possible implications in disease severity and hospitalization rates. The chapter also explores how Omicron could affect natural immunity and vaccination efficiency and will provide information on recent studies on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron. Finally, we will discuss public health responses to Omicron’s emergence and outline the effective strategies that can lessen its effects.