The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Nebraska Public Health Lab have confirmed that the South Africa variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.351, has arrived in the state. The initial case has been identified as a Lancaster County resident. An investigation is underway and ongoing. The identified variant has been spreading throughout the United States, but has been identified less frequently than other variants.
It is expected that vaccinations will remain effective, although some studies show higher levels of antibodies are required to neutralize B.1.351 than the level of antibodies required to neutralize standard strains.
Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone says, “Nebraska has done a great job with its vaccination rollout. I am pleased to report that 70% of residents 65 and older are fully vaccinated and that percentage is continuing to increase. This pandemic can only be slowed through vaccination and employing mitigation efforts such as masking and distancing. Vaccination is our greatest hope for preventing another major surge of COVID-19 cases and getting our great state back to normal. I strongly encourage that individuals continue to get tested, especially if they have symptoms. Now that the vaccine is available to anyone 16 or older, we all should get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
A total of 291 of these variants of concern have been identified in the state. 234 cases are the UK variant, 54 cases are the California variant, two of the cases are of the Brazil variant and one South Africa.
As the State is now in Phase 2B, which means anyone 16 and older can get vaccinated, there are several options available. Register at Vaccinate.Ne.Gov, or with your local health district, or check with area pharmacies that may be scheduling appointments. Those registered will be alerted when a vaccine is available in their priority group and health district. The DHHS Information line can assist those with limited technology, language or Internet access, and is available by calling 531-249-1873 or 833-998-2275.