December 22, 2021 – Omicron Cases Rise, Growing Demand For Testing, Concern About Holiday Gatherings

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, guest host Austin Cross speaks with UCLA epidemiologist and professor of medicine Dr. Timothy Brewer.  Topics today include:  Should I change holiday plans due to the Omicron variant and possible surge?  Biden to address the nation about the Omicron variant on Tuesday.  L.A. County sees highest daily COVID-19 cases since August.  Moderna says COVID-19 booster dose works against Omicron variant in lab tests.  Is that a sniffle or cold or COVID-19?  Most of the world’s vaccines likely won’t prevent infection from Omicron.  Affordable coronavirus tests are out there, if you look.  Long lines for COVID-19 testing as Omicron variant looms.  Omicron may sideline two leading drugs against COVID-19.  Latest on Pfizer’s trials for a vaccine for kids under 5.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.