Latest COVID-19 variant identified in ND

It’s not yet the dominant strain but the latest COVID-19 subvariant is starting to show up in North Dakota. State health officials say the so-called BA.2 represented 4.6% of all specimens tested last week. The variant appears to be more transmissible – but no more severe.

The news comes as the FDA has authorized a second booster vaccine shot for individuals 50 and older. In North Dakota only 54% of eligible adults have received their first booster dose.

Additional booster doses may not be available to North Dakotans until next week (April 4). As a reminder, people may be vaccinated against other diseases (such as influenza or shingles) at the same time as receiving a COVID-19 booster. People who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days may consider delaying an additional booster dose.

Information on COVID-19 vaccine providers and clinics can be found on the NDDoH COVID Vaccine Locator. Individuals can also contact the NDDoH Public Health Hotline at 1-866-207-2880 for questions related to COVID-19 and for assistance in scheduling a vaccine appointment.