New COVID-19 variant: What to watch out for, how pharmacies are preparing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As summer continues, something to watch out for is the highly contagious, new strain of COVID-19 called NB.1.8.1 or 'nimbus.'

The 'nimbus' variant is known for having a painful throat based symptom, referred to as 'razor blade throat.' The variant is a mutated omicron subvariant.

According to data from the CDC, 'nimbus' accounts for 43% of cases in the U.S. and is currently the most widely spread variant.

Pharmacies are preparing for the demand for vaccines to potentially increase due to the nature of the variant. Several local stores also have COVID-19 at-home tests in stock.

"We usually set up a certain day where we make a bunch of appointments (for vaccines)," Rogers Pharmacy Pharmacist Beth Cathcart said. "We bring them in certain time increments so we know how much to order for that specific time."

Cathcart also said the pharmacy does not want vaccines to go to waste so orders are placed depending on the demand.

"Normally once we get a big enough demand, that's when we get the vaccines ordered and have the date available," Cathcart said.

Updates regarding the new variant can be found on the CDC's COVID tracker.