The latest COVID variant is in Ohio. How can residents keep safe?
The Centers for Disease Control, through its airport screening program, has detected a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 in late March and early April, 2025.
It’s been making headlines since The World Health Organization (WHO) announced its initial detection in China in January 2025, where it quickly fueled a spike in cases.
Since then, the CDC says cases are beginning to show up across the United States, although fewer than 20 cases have been reported nationwide. While cases have been reported in Ohio, there isn’t enough to register it on COVID-19 data tracking, Time Magazine reports, but “the new variant is also on drug companies’ radars.”
Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself safe and where to get vaccinated.
These COVID symptoms are familiar, but not necessarily worse
So far, NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants.
According to CBS, symptoms are similar to other Omicron subvariants and may include:
Sore throat
Fatigue
Fever
Mild cough
Muscle pain
Nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea
Vaccines are still your best defense
The CDC and Ohio Department of Health recommend everyone ages six months and older get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
However, following a recent decision made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, the CDC no longer recommends routine COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children or pregnant women, which Reuters reports, took effect May 27.
Getting a COVID vaccination will help target recent variants and is expected to offer protection against NB.1.8.1. Even if the new variant can partially evade immunity, vaccines will still reduce the risk of serious sickness and hospitalization.
Where can you get a COVID vaccine?
Most insurance plans cover the vaccine at no cost, but you should check with your provider to be sure. There are some low-cost or free options available as well. Further, according to Time Magazine, “current vaccines and immunity from recent infections should provide some protection against serious disease.”
Vaccines are available at most local CVS Pharmacies.
Many locations offer walk-in appointments, but you can also schedule online, use the CVS app or call 1-800-SHOP-CVS.
Try one of these locations:
- 2846 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown
- 900 Youngstown-Poland Road, Struthers
- 1331 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles
- 134 Youngstown Hubbard Road, Hubbard
The Ohio Department of Health is also a good resource for vaccinations.
- Youngstown Health Department is located at 9 West Front St., (330) 743-3333
- Mahoning County Public Health is located at 50 Westchester Dr., (330) 270-2855
You can also find locations to administer the vaccine by visiting the Ohio Department of Aging and entering your zip code.
VA Clinics offer vaccines to Veterans enrolled in VA health care.
There are several locations that offer vaccination services:
Carl Nunziato Youngstown VA Clinic — Located at 1815 Belmont Ave, Youngstown
Youngstown VA Outpatient Clinic — Located at 2031 Belmont Ave, Youngstown
To find other providers, use Vaccines.gov to find additional locations by ZIP code.
Although the NB.1.8.1 variant isn’t presenting significant danger for Ohio at the moment, the CDC says you should still follow the recommended best steps.
Stay safe
You can stay safe by doing the following:
Stay up to date on vaccines
Monitor your health
Seek care if symptoms worsen
Be informed on the latest local updates from trusted sources.
You can follow the latest updates right here at the Mahoning Matters, or email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
