Understanding the Omicron Variant: Lower Risks and Ongoing Concerns

More people are hospitalized with COVID than at any point in the pandemic. But the omicron variant is also causing more Americans to tune out the pandemic and turn away from public health measures right when they're needed most. NPR's Yuki Noguchi reports.

Even some vaccinated and boosted Americans are ready to move on from COVID, writes Derek Thompson in The Atlantic — a group he's dubbed 'vaxxed and done.' Thompson spoke to Jane Clayson on Here & Now, a production of NPR and WBUR Boston.

Additional reporting in this episode from NPR's Michaeleen Doucleff, who reported on why the omicron variant appears to be less deadly; and from NPR's Will Stone, who reported on hospitals struggling to manage the omicron surge.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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