On Nov. 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a variant of concern and named it Omicron. On Nov. 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a variant of concern. The Omicron variant has been detected in the United States and was identified in Indiana on Dec. 19, 2021. CDC is following the details of this new variant, first reported to the WHO by South Africa. Researchers are working to determine the effect of this variant on transmission, reinfection, disease severity, vaccines, and treatment drugs.

Vaccination remains the best defense against COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants. To schedule a vaccine appointment please go to https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/en-US/. Travelers to the United States should continue to follow CDC recommendations for traveling. The state Department of Health will provide updates as more information becomes available.