As California faces a rise in COVID-19 cases this fall, state health officials have announced the launch of updated booster shots designed to combat the latest Omicron subvariants. On October 14, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) began distributing the new boosters, which target both the original strain of the virus and the more recent Omicron variants, including BA.4 and BA.5. This new wave of vaccinations is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases begin to increase across the country.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Dr. Tomás Aragón, the Director of the CDPH, were present at a press conference in San Francisco to discuss the importance of the new booster shots and encourage Californians to get vaccinated ahead of the anticipated winter surge. Both officials emphasized that the updated boosters would offer crucial protection against the evolving virus, especially as colder weather leads to more indoor gatherings.
“This new booster is a critical tool in our continued fight against COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “While we have made tremendous progress, we’re still dealing with a virus that is highly adaptable. These updated boosters will provide Californians with the most effective defense against the variants currently circulating.”
The launch of the updated booster shots comes at a time when Northern California, along with the rest of the state, has been witnessing an uptick in COVID-19 cases. San Francisco has seen a gradual rise in infections, prompting local health officials to stress the importance of getting the new boosters to mitigate potential strain on healthcare systems. The state had previously seen a drop in cases following the summer peak, but health experts were warning that the cooler months could lead to a renewed surge.
Dr. Aragón, speaking at the press conference, noted that the new vaccines were specifically designed to address the ongoing threat posed by the Omicron subvariants, which are more transmissible than earlier strains. “These new boosters are a key step in ensuring that we have the strongest possible protection heading into the fall and winter,” he said. “Getting vaccinated and boosted now will not only help protect individuals but also keep our communities safer overall.”
Local health officials in San Francisco echoed these sentiments, urging residents to take advantage of the new boosters, particularly as the holiday season approaches. “We are seeing more cases, and we know that winter gatherings can lead to increased transmission. That’s why we’re strongly encouraging everyone eligible to get their updated booster as soon as possible,” said San Francisco Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax.
California’s vaccine distribution infrastructure had been built up over the previous two years, making the rollout of the updated boosters more streamlined than earlier in the pandemic. Local pharmacies, clinics, and vaccination sites across the state quickly began offering the new shots, with appointments available for both new and returning patients. The new boosters are available for individuals aged 12 and older, and health experts have stressed that the updated shots are safe, effective, and critical for maintaining immunity against the virus.
Despite the new vaccines, health officials continue to monitor the potential impact of other COVID-19 variants. Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), warned that while the new boosters provide added protection, ongoing vigilance is necessary. “We need to continue following public health guidelines, especially in indoor spaces, and remember that COVID-19 is still a threat,” Rutherford said. “Vaccination remains our best tool to prevent severe disease, but it’s just one part of the larger puzzle.”
California’s health experts also continued to emphasize the importance of other preventive measures, such as wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and testing regularly, especially for those planning to travel or attend large gatherings.
As the state prepares for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases as flu season coincides with the virus’s continued evolution, officials are hopeful that the combination of updated vaccines and preventive measures will help keep California’s hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, as seen during past surges.
“We’ve seen the tremendous benefits of vaccination, and now, with the availability of the updated boosters, we can take another major step toward keeping our communities healthy,” Governor Newsom said, reiterating the state’s commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
