Monday, February 7, 2022
COVID-19
We have the Tools to Fight Omicron
Vaccines
Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect yourself and others against the Omicron variant.
- CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Everyone ages 12 years and older should stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and get a booster shot when eligible.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Masks
Well-fitting masks offer protection against all variants.
- Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.
- If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and are aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask indoors in public.
- In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, people might choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with other people, particularly if
- They or someone they live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.
- They are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines or live with someone who is not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
Testing
Tests can tell you if you have COVID-19. Learn how to get tested.
- Two types of tests are used to test for current infection: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. NAAT and antigen tests can tell you if you have a current infection.
- Self-tests can be used at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
- If your self-test has a positive result, isolate and talk to your healthcare provider.
- If you have any questions about your self-test result, call your healthcare provider or public health department.
Individuals can use the COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool to help determine what kind of test to seek.
Your test result will only tell you if you do or do not have COVID-19. It will not tell you which variant caused your infection. Visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website for the latest local information on testing.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
