Overview

• Stanford researchers identified California’s first confirmed case of the NB.1.8.1 Omicron variant, tracing its presence in the state back to mid-April.
• Health experts say NB.1.8.1 spreads more rapidly than earlier strains but causes symptoms comparable in severity to previous Omicron lineages.
• FDA officials disclosed on May 27 that uncertain gains from additional doses among healthy individuals prompted a policy shift to vaccinate only seniors and those at high risk.
• The policy change follows the Trump administration’s termination of over $700 million in COVID-19 response grants, which weakened public health infrastructure in California.
• Public health authorities anticipate a typical summer rise in cases and are monitoring NB.1.8.1’s impact on hospitalizations and resource demands.