CNBC reports that WHO says the newest variant appears to be mild--though WHO hates saying so

Never mind, go get a booster

Omicron XBB.1.5 does not have mutations known to make people sicker, WHO says

In the U.S., XBB.1.5 is the only subvariant showing substantial growth right now. It rose from about 2% of cases in early December to nearly 28% in the first week of January, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is causing more than 70% of new Covid cases in the Northeast.

Data on how well the vaccines hold up against XBB.1.5 is limited right now, though the subvariant is expected to cause more breakthrough infections. Lab studies have indicated other variants in the XBB family have proven adept at evading the antibodies generated by vaccination with the omicron boosters.

Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines are still generally preventing hospitalization and death. However, public health officials in the U.S. have emphasized that its particularly important for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, to stay up to date on their shots to prevent severe illness.

Wait what? We get a mild variant that evades vaccine protection, which the article just admitted—then it claims the mRNA vaccines are preventing severe disease. Do they think we can’t read? Or do they think we can’t think?

No matter what the facts are, always end the story with some group needing a new booster.