Omicron

JN.1: What is the new COVID variant in Israel? - explainer

Israel has detected a new variant of COVID-19 known as JN.1, which has already affected around 200 people in the country. What should you know about it?

 A 3D rendering of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
 Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine are pictured in a General practitioners practice in Berlin, Germany, April 10, 2021.

US FDA panel weighs makeup of next COVID vaccine

 A NURSE prepares a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as the new Omicron variant spreads, in Dutywa, in Eastern Cape province, South Africa this week.

Omicron booster vaccine reduces COVID hospitalization, death among elderly

 SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus behind COVID-19 (Illustrative).

New COVID variant XBB.1.16 under WHO observation as cases spike


WHO urges travelers to wear masks as new COVID variant spreads

With a new variant of COVID on the loose, the World Health Organization sets new recommendations for travelers.

 Illustrative photo of a man walking with a mask in Jerusalem, January 10 2021.

Israeli study finds Omicron COVID booster cuts hospitalization in 65+

Researchers from Israeli healthcare provider Clalit, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Sapir College have uncovered new details about the effectiveness of a recent COVID-19 booster.

Israeli getting the COVID vaccination at Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization center at Jerusalem on August 11, 2021.

Zarka urges COVID-19 responsibility, caution in new wave of Omicron, flu

Before meeting family members at high risk, people should undergo an antigen test to make sure they themselves will not infect others.

 Test tubes labelled "COVID-19 Omicron variant test positive" are seen in this illustration picture taken January 15, 2022.

How did doctors cure this man who had COVID-19 for over a year?

Researchers used several treatments to try to save a seriously ill 59-year-old man in August this year who had been infected since 2020. However, none worked.

   COVID-19 rapid antigen test

New Omicron vaccines proven safe and effective

The new boosters are suited to two COVID-19 strains of the Omicron virus variant that represents the vast majority of infections, according to the FDA.

 Test tube labelled "COVID-19 Omicron variant test positive" is seen in this illustration picture taken January 15, 2022.

Coronavirus variant BQ.1.1 spreading in US, Europe

While BQ.1.1 is growing in the US and Europe, the XBB variant is gaining ground in east Asia.

 SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus behind COVID-19 (Illustrative).

COVID: Omicron BA.2 infection after vaccine can protect from BA.4/BA.5 - study

Breakthrough infections of COVID-19 Omicron BA.2 in people who have received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have more antibodies against the dominant BA.4/BA.5 descendants.

 Coronavirus cells (illustrative)

A more durable COVID-19 vaccine protects rodents from Omicron and Delta - study

Study authors concluded that their combined vaccination approach provides broader protection against the SARS-CoV-2 variants. 

 The COVID-19 vaccine (illustrative).

WHO 'strongly advises against' use of two COVID treatments

The two therapies were some of the first medicines developed early in the pandemic.

A logo is pictured outside a building of the World Health Organization (WHO) during an executive board meeting on update on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Geneva, Switzerland, April 6, 2021.

Israel's COVID-19 czar fears new wave combined with flu, urges vaccines

Israel's COVID-19 czar Prof. Salman Zarka calls for the voluntary wearing of face masks in risky places and antigen testing as the Jewish High Holy Days approach.

Flurona: The novel coronavirus (top) and influenza (bottom) viruses are seen in this composite image.

EU regulator backs two Omicron-adapted COVID boosters

Developed by Moderna and the team of Pfizer and BioNTech, the new so-called bivalent shots combat the BA.1 version of Omicron and the original virus first detected in China.

 Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine are pictured in a General practitioners practice in Berlin, Germany, April 10, 2021.