Sask. virologist urges third vaccine dose to fight Omicron
Saskatchewan is on the “uphill slope” of another COVID-19 surge dominated by the Omicron variant, according to a virologist.
VIDO-InterVac research scientist and virologist Angela Rasmussen says the third dose or booster shot will help lower severe illness and hospitalization.
“People should go get them if they’re eligible because they really do make a big difference,” said Rasmussen.
She says fully vaccinated people with two doses, as well as people who've recovered from infection with a prior variant, are susceptible to either breakthroughs or reinfections, respectively, with Omicron, and are much more likely to be re-infected or have a breakthrough compared to Delta.
“When you add the third dose in a series, you actually can restore that to about 65 percent effectiveness against infection,” Rasmussen said.
Provincial lab reports released Jan. 13 show 95 per cent of infections are from the Omicron variant.
Rasmussen says one hypothesis is that the Omicron strain may have mutated in an animal species and then transferred back to humans.
“The origins of Omicron are really mysterious compared to Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta,” said Rasmussen.
“Omicron may have the ability to infect other animal species that the variants of concern might not have been able to."
The mutation of the virus in animals is one of her current research projects.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.