Boosters, B.A2 Subvariant, and other COVID-19 Updates

Current Situation in Berkeley

As of Tuesday, April 19, there have been 13,866 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Over the last 30 days, there were 634 cases, and we are currently averaging 23 cases over the last seven days. The case rate, which is based on last week’s numbers, is 23.02 cases per 100,000 residents per day. 61 Berkeley residents have died from COVID-19, with five deaths recorded so far in 2022. Additional data can be found on the City's COVID-19 dashboard.

As expected, cases are beginning to rise in the Bay Area after leveling out from the Omicron surge that peaked in January. This is due to the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, which is responsible for approximately 86.4% of reported COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area as of April 11th. Nationally, the rise in cases is most notable within the Northeast, and the trends we are seeing there are expected to be replicated in California over the next 1-3 weeks. Fortunately, hospitalizations remain low, but it is possible to see a slight uptick across the region over the next couple of weeks among people who are unvaccinated.

While cases are expected to rise, and the current rise may be connected to people returning from spring break, it is not expected that restrictions would have to be reintroduced. This is due in part to Berkeley’s vaccination rate, which is among the highest in the nation. Berkeley currently has a 93% vaccination rate, and is estimated to have an over 80% booster rate. While the City’s COVID-19 dashboard is currently reporting a 64% booster rate, this number does not reflect booster rates among the UC Berkeley population, and we hope to have that data incorporated into the dashboard over the next week.

Latest on Omicron Subvariants

BA.2, a subvariant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, has become by far the dominant strain in the United States, accounting for around 90% of cases nationwide. BA.2 is estimated to be about 30% more transmissible than the original version of Omicron, which itself was significantly more contagious than previous variants. Fortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that BA.2 is able to evade vaccines more than Omicron, nor is it deadlier. Additionally, based on trends seen elsewhere, any expected surge as a result of this subvariant should be significantly lower than this year’s winter surge.

The World Health Organization is currently monitoring a multitude of Omicron subvariants, but so far no subvariant beyond BA.2 has produced a significant number of cases. Health officials will continue to monitor and assess the situation, especially as the global economy opens up and restrictions and related protocols subside worldwide. New subvariants of Omicron and new variants of COVID-19 are expected to continue as the virus mutates, but we are hopeful that as we shift towards an endemic, such variants will be manageable from a public health perspective.

Who is Eligible for Booster Shots?

Booster shots remain an important tool in limiting the spread of COVID-19. While Omicron is more successful in creating breakthrough cases, boosters have been proven to significantly reduce the likelihood of having a severe case or hospitalization. This is because the amount of antibodies created through vaccination wanes over time, but booster shots are able to significantly increase the number of antibodies and extend immunity against COVID-19.

Initial booster: Anyone aged 12 and older qualify for a booster shot. People can get a booster shot five months after their Pfizer (aged 12+) or Moderna vaccine ( aged 18+), or two months after Johnson & Johnson (aged 18+). You have a choice in what booster shot you get (unless you are aged 12-17), you can choose a different vaccine from your original if you desire.

Second Booster: Anyone who is aged 50 and over, or anyone who is immunocompromised and aged 12 and up is eligible for a second booster shot. Those who are eligible can receive a second booster at least four months after their first booster.

Research is currently underway to evaluate the need for adults under 50 to get a second booster, although if this was to go forward such a decision is not expected anytime soon. Trials for an initial booster of the Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11 have taken place with promising results. While children in this age range are currently not eligible for an initial booster, authorization of this may take place in the near future, and we will be sure to update you if that happens.

For more information, visit the CDC’s page on booster shots. To schedule a booster shot appointment, click here.