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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 08, 2023 | The Indian Eye 26

NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan

gives update on New Covid-19 Variant

OUR BUREAU Antibodies from vaccination and prior infection will
continue to provide some protection, as will avail-
New York, NY
able antiviral treatments like Paxlovid, which is still
ike all viruses, Covid-19 adapts, and we con- effective against all circulating strains of COVID-19.
tinue to adapt to keep New Yorkers safe As we enter the traditional respiratory virus
Ltoo. One recent change to COVID-19 is the season, an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected
BA.2.86 variant, which has been seen in other parts to become available in the coming weeks. Studies
of the U.S. and was recently detected in New York are still evaluating the new booster for its effec-
City’s sewage. While we have yet to find it in a spec- tiveness against the BA.2.86 variant, but indicators
imen from a local resident, it is almost certainly cir- suggest it will be effective at preventing severe ill-
culating here, said Dr Ashwin Vasan. ness and death. That’s why it’s especially import-
Based on the degree of mutations – while vac- ant that New Yorkers that are most vulnerable get
cinated people continue to be protected against the new booster when it’s available. New Yorkers
serious illness – this variant may be more likely to should talk to their health care or vaccination pro-
evade immunity that has developed from vaccina- viders about the updated COVID-19 vaccine and
tion or prior infection than earlier variants. But this year’s flu vaccine. It is also a perfect time to
there is currently no indication that it causes more get this year’s flu vaccine when available. For new
severe illness. We continue to monitor this care- parents, talk to your child’s pediatrician about the
fully, alongside our colleagues at the U.S. Centers benefits of the RSV monoclonal antibody for in-
for Disease Control and Prevention and the World lying health conditions. Staying up to date with fants, and for older or at-risk adults, talk to your
Health Organization. COVID-19 vaccines, along with other proven pre- provider about getting the new RSV vaccine. For
As cases rise, precautions become increasingly vention tools – like masking, testing, and staying assistance with finding a health care provider, call
important, especially for our most vulnerable New home when sick – continue to be our best defense 311 or visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find a location
Yorkers who are older, disabled, or have under- against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. near you and make an appointment.

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