By Aly Kamadia, Editor-In-Chief, iDose

As Omicron is rapidly infecting people throughout many countries, I have a few notes and a thank you to offer.  

First, to repeat a familiar fact, this variant is highly transmissible. The protection afforded by being double vaccinated (even with the fancy mRNA vaccines) appears to be significantly weaker against the Omicron variant than say, the Delta variant.

While we still don’t have precise answers addressing the effectiveness of booster shots against Omicron (sorry folks, but a handful of studies doesn’t allow us to conclude too much with a high degree of confidence), all signs point to boosters providing enhanced protection. Reliable estimates on the degree of enhanced protection should become apparent in the weeks that follow.  

Second, an N95 respirator or something similar (e.g., KN95) seem to be a much better choice than a baggy blue mask. The point is obvious (to most), though important to keep in mind when a much more transmissible variant is jumping around with the potential to cause serious havoc.

Third, if you’re in an area where Omicron is blowing up (e.g., the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, where I’m at), you can offer yourself and the public more protection by skipping gatherings during the holidays – even “small” ones.

Finally, as we wrap up 2021, thank you to all of our wonderful readers and distinguished authors.

Without half a penny of funding, we’ve been able to create a cozy, no-BS, intellectual platform with global reach. I’m excited that iDose Magazine has evolved to become a place for serious commentary from Nobel Prize winners, heads of state, and distinguished academics who have carved out careers well beyond whichever Ivory Towers they call home.  

As editor-in-chief, I wish all of you a happy holidays, happy new year, and hope that you keep optimistic while staying safe.

ps. There is no December iDose issue, see you in the new year!

Stay safe,