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UTMB Incident Command met on Dec. 31, 2021, to discuss the continuing increase in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant.

CDC Interim Guidelines designed to ensure adequate health care workforce during surge of omicron variant; updated return-on-site policies for UTMB health care workers take effect Dec. 28, 2021

As a result of a rapid increase of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in our community, pre-procedure COVID testing requirements have been modified (effective 12/22/2021).

As a result of a rapid increase of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in our community, pre-procedure COVID testing requirements have been modified (effective 12/22/2021).

Over the past weeks there have been new developments to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A new message from the COVID-19 Clinical Task Force provides additional details on the Omicron variant, COVID boosters and flu vaccinations.

Pfizer-BioNTech Boosters have now been approved for all 16 years of age and older, regardless of risk factors. Adolescents 16 and 17 years old who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot at least six months after completion of their primary series.

Adults 18 and older who received a Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are now eligible for a booster shot at least six months after completion of their primary series.

Vaccine boosters have now been approved for all adults 18 years of age and older, regardless of risk factors. Those who received a Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot at least six months after completion of their primary series. For Johnson & Johnson/Janssen single-dose vaccine recipients, a booster is available after two months.

As departments and units across UTMB begin to plan holiday celebrations, please be mindful of the current UTMB health and safety protocols. Vaccination, masking and social distancing are still the most effective ways to protect ourselves and those around us during the holidays.

Starting Nov. 4, all UTMB primary care locations that serve children—including pediatric clinics, family medicine clinics and urgent cares—will begin offering the vaccine, as a two-dose series at least three weeks apart. The vaccine can be administered during routine pediatric vaccination visits or can be scheduled online.