Omicron Variant Threat: Where To Get A Booster In The Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The omicron coronavirus variant is stirring new fears nationwide and health officials want Ohioans to get vaccinated, or their vaccine booster, as soon as possible.

The omicron variant has already led some nations to close their borders to prevent further spread. The World Health Organization warned in a technical paper the global risk is "very high" and the mutated cornavirus could lead to surges with "severe consequences." That said, it's not yet clear if the omicron variant is more contagious or deadlier than other variants.

The Ohio Department of Health is monitoring the variant and its threat, a spokesperson told Patch. The variant has not yet been detected in the Buckeye State or in the U.S., but it has been found in Canada. President Joe Biden and health officials have urged Americans to get vaccinated to protect themselves against omicron.

Here are the locations near Cleveland Heights that provide vaccines and boosters:

• CVS Pharmacy, 2160 Lee Road
  • Call: 216-932-4808
  • Book online
• MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Hospital, 10 Severance Cir.
  • Call: 216-778-6100
  • Book online
• Walgreens Pharmacy, 3020 Mayfield Road
  • Call: 800-925-4733
  • Book online

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It's not yet clear if the variant spreads more easily among people than the highly transmissible delta variant that caused a resurgence of COVID-19 cases earlier this year or if there are simply more people in countries with low vaccination rates who are getting sick with COVID-19, regardless of the variant.

• Read more: WHO Says Omicron Variant Has Mutations That Are 'Concerning'

Early evidence suggests the variant does more easily lead to reinfections in people who have previously had COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease expert, believes the variant's arrival in America is "inevitable." However, Biden is pushing more Americans to get vaccinated rather than additional shutdowns or restrictions being implemented.

Additional reading:

• Fauci Would 'Not Be Surprised' If Omicron Variant Is In U.S.
• New Omicron Variant Stokes World Fears, Triggers Travel Bans