The omicron variant is surging. Here’s what we’ve learned so far

The new version of the coronavirus can evade some antibodies, but booster shots may help

With omicron spreading around the world at breakneck speed, scientists are working to learn as much as possible about the latest worrisome variant of the coronavirus. First spotted in South Africa and Botswana in late November, the omicron variant is already on the verge of becoming the dominant variant - dethroning the delta variant - in some areas, public health officials warn. In some places, that's already the case. So answers to these questions, including the degree of omicron disease and the ability of vaccines to stop it, can't come soon enough.

A rising tide of omicron data is beginning to provide insight into what lies ahead as we enter the third year of the global pandemic, but many questions remain. As many people prepare to gather with family and friends for the holidays, experts expect new outbreaks of cases, compounded by already high infection rates in some countries linked to the still prevalent delta variant.

Omicron's collision with the vacations and travel is "a perfect storm," Thomas Denny, a vaccine expert at Duke University, said Dec. 16 at a news conference. At this point, even vaccinated people should take precautions, such as wearing masks indoors and testing before family gatherings, he added. "This new variant has sent us a curveball at the worst possible time."

Yet despite the concerns, there are positive signals that vaccines can still protect people from the worst of COVID-19. As many countries rush toward an omicron season, here's what researchers have learned so far.