John,

Omicron, the COVID-19 variant first identified by scientists in South Africa, has now appeared in countries around the world -- and in multiple U.S. states.

Reports on Omicron have been limited by a lack of robust data, but researchers are learning more by the day. We asked Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, to provide insights based on what we know so far.

He shared three reasons why Omicron is concerning, and what this might mean for vaccines.

Right now -- as always -- it's critical to listen to public health experts, and take every step available to safeguard yourself and others.

Watch our latest Road to Recovery for more on what we know (and don't know) about Omicron:

https://www.bloomberg.org/videos/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-the-omicron-variant/

Thanks,

Bloomberg Philanthropies