'The vaccine is our best defense': Omicron variant confirmed in Fort Bend County

Three new cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected in Fort Bend County, according to the county’s health and human services department.

Health officials said all three confirmed cases were residents who previously received two doses of an approved vaccine, but had not received the booster shot. They also had not traveled in the last 14 days.

“Get tested, if eligible, get vaccinated and make sure to get your booster shot,” Ford Bend County Judge K.P. George tweeted. “The vaccine is our best defense against COVID!”

The three confirmed cases of the omicron variant reported only mild symptoms.

Meanwhile, Houston Methodist Hospital confirmed nine cases of the variant through comprehensive genome sequencing, according to a report on ABC 13. Harris County officials reported Texas’ first omicron case earlier this month.

"While the full impact of omicron is not currently known, we do already know how to reduce the spread of any form of SARS CoV-2," Dr. Jacquelyn Minter, the director and health authority for Fort Bend County Health & Human Services said in a release from the health and human services department. "We can protect ourselves and those at highest risk by getting vaccinated, including with boosters, staying away from others when we are ill, getting tested when appropriate and wearing face coverings indoors or at crowded events with close contact."