Local Dr. says the best way to fight Omicron is to get the vaccine

Posted on December 28, 2021
Dr. John Wieland spoke with WJBC’s Todd WIneburner. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – According to a local health leader, the best way to fight the new COVID-19 variant Omicron is by getting vaccinated and receiving a booster vaccine.

Dr. John Wieland with Carle BroMenn Medical Center predicts the virus would continue to mutate, but leading technology in vaccinations is the best shot at minimizing harmful effects of COVID-19.

“I predict that the virus will continue to mutate; that’s what viruses do to survive. And I think the technology is going to keep up with that much like the flu vaccines that we get that are recommended on an annual basis. Now the flu actually mutates much faster and more frequently than COVID-19. But I think we will continue to have boosters recommended.”

Speaking with WJBC’s Todd Wineburner, Dr. Wieland said while the timeframe remains unclear, it depends on the future varients of COVID-19.

“Well, my message is never really wavered. Just get vaccinated for yourself. I mean, there’s all these sorts of campaigns and public service announcements, you know of do it for your children, do it for your parents, do it for your friends, coworkers – do it for yourself. What we are seeing now is there’s a safe intervention that is widely accessible that currently is not even an individual financial burden to the person and has been known to make a dramatic difference.”

During a press conference on Monday, Gov. Pritzker said Illinois would increase vaccination efforts beginning Jan. 3.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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