BETHLEHEM, Pa. — We're far from the COVID-19 throes experienced during the winters of 2021 and 2022, but coronavirus still is out there, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta says it's still killing people every day.
Yet over the past several months there has been nary a word about the virus, the fear or the aftermath.
- COVID-19 still is present
- Additional vaccine boosters are recommended for adults over 65 and immunocompromised people aged 6 and older
- Vaccines are now available through primary care physicians
Lehigh Valley Health Network has issued a written directive indicating second doses of the bivalent booster now are recommended for people aged 65 or older or for immunocompromised individuals ages 6 or older.
Vaccines now available
Just two years ago, vaccine frenzies were commonplace, with appointments at times impossible to get.
Unlike the lines and crowds that occurred when the original vaccine was introduced, LVHN officials have said a second dose of the bivalent vaccine now is available by making an appointment with a primary care physician's office.
The bivalent vaccine, which prevents two or more variants of the disease at the same time, now is recommended for all, even if the original, single strain, vaccines were never used.
"Since outbreaks have been reported in California, Washington, Virginia, Texas, as well as our bordering states of New Jersey and New York, it can be assumed that it is present in Pennsylvania."Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, St. Luke’s senior vice president of medical and academic affairs and section chief emeritus of infectious diseases
"The bivalent vaccines include the original COVID vaccine as well as an updated component aimed at the BA.4 and BA.5 variants which currently cause the majority of worldwide COVID infections," LVHN officials said in a written release.
COVID's omicron variant is responsible for several subvariants, according to a written statement by St. Luke's University Health Network. The newest omicron variant is called Arcturus.
"Currently, Arcturus is responsible for 10 percent of the COVID-19 cases in the United States and is rapidly increasing," said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, St. Luke’s senior vice president of medical and academic affairs and section chief emeritus of infectious diseases.
"Since outbreaks have been reported in California, Washington, Virginia, Texas, as well as our bordering states of New Jersey and New York, it can be assumed that it is present in Pennsylvania."
Pink eye a symptom of new strain
Arcturus, variant XBB 1.16, also is the name of the brightest star in the northern sky, the statement said. Compared with previous strains, Arcturus is more infectious but not more fulminant, meaning that it does not cause worse illness.
In addition to the fever associated with COVID, there appears to be an increased association with conjunctivitis — an inflammation of the outer membrane of the eye that is more commonly known as pink eye — causing localized redness, blurriness, itching and a feeling of grittiness, St. Luke's said.
The conjunctivitis is more frequently seen in children, including babies, and can be difficult to differentiate from seasonal allergies. If a fever is present, they said, it's more likely to be COVID.
“The worldwide evolution of COVID strains needs to be continually monitored to help us prepare for any future outbreaks."Dr, Jeffre Jahre, St. Luke's senior vice president
“The good news is that COVID-19 vaccinations and medications that are used for other strains can also prevent the worst consequences of Arcturus in those who are most vulnerable,” Jahre said.
“The worldwide evolution of COVID strains needs to be continually monitored to help us prepare for any future outbreaks."
