ABC World News Season 12 Episode 344 CDC changes guidelines as omicron surge continues

In this episode of ABC World News Tonight, anchor David Muir covers the latest developments on the omicron COVID-19 variant and the updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the surge in cases continues.

Muir begins by reporting that the omicron variant has now been detected in at least 38 states and that the number of cases is rapidly rising. He notes that there are concerns about the potential for the variant to cause more severe illness and to spread more easily than previous variants.

Muir then turns to the CDC's updated guidelines, which recommend that people who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines receive a booster shot at least five months after their second dose. The guidelines also recommend that people who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 receive a booster shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months after their initial dose.

Muir explains that the updated guidelines reflect the latest data on the effectiveness of the vaccines against the omicron variant and the need for additional protection against the virus. He notes that the White House has also announced plans to send out more than one billion free at-home COVID-19 tests to help Americans stay safe during the holidays.

Muir then interviews ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. John Brownstein about the omicron variant and the updated guidelines. Brownstein explains that the variant has a large number of mutations that could potentially make it more transmissible and more resistant to vaccines. He emphasizes the importance of getting booster shots to provide additional protection against the virus.

Muir also speaks with Kizzmekia Corbett, a viral immunologist at the National Institutes of Health, about the need for ongoing monitoring and research on the omicron variant. Corbett stresses that scientists are working tirelessly to understand the variant and to develop new strategies for combating it.

The episode also features a report on the impact of the omicron surge on travel plans for the holidays. ABC News Correspondent Gio Benitez interviews travelers at an airport in New York City, many of whom express concerns about the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 while traveling.

In addition, the episode includes a segment on the ongoing investigation into the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. ABC News Senior National Correspondent Terry Moran reports on the latest developments in the investigation, including new information about the involvement of former President Donald Trump.

Overall, this episode of ABC World News Tonight provides viewers with comprehensive coverage of the latest developments on the omicron variant and the new guidelines from the CDC, as well as updates on other important news stories.