What We Know About the Omicron Variant and Pediatrics

On November 26, the World Health Organization declared Omicron the fifth variant of concern. First detected two weeks ago, South African researchers were the first to sequence this variant, identifying more than 20 mutations of SARS-CoV-2 that had never been seen before.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss what we know about the Omicron variant and the pediatric population

In this episode, our unofficial Charting Pediatrics co-host, Sam Dominguez, MD, joins us to unpack what this variant means for pediatrics. Is the Omicron variant more contagious? Does it cause more severe illness? Are the vaccines still effective against it and are our pediatric patients more or less susceptible? These are all good questions.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• Red flags of the Omicron variant, including the key mutations on the spike protein and the sudden rise in cases and positivity rate in South Africa
• Context for understanding the epidemiological situation in South Africa
• Risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant
• Initial reports on how the variant is affecting the pediatric population
• Pediatric qualifications for receiving age-approved monoclonal antibody therapy

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Treatment of infectious diseases at Children’s Colorado

Our pediatric experts in the Infectious Disease Program at Children's Colorado provide a breadth of expertise ranging from laboratory-based research to the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Pediatricians can treat many infectious diseases, but when unique or different symptoms are present, it’s important to refer to a pediatric specialist. We are prepared and ready to treat patients with suspected or confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus. Our clinical staff has been specially trained on how to identify, isolate and treat patients with this and other contagious illnesses.