Ohio health officials are reminding us that while we might wish we could declare COVID “over,” the reality is there are new variants emerging as we head into the season during which we are kept indoors and more likely to be part of large gatherings.

“As we head into the colder months, we could see (two new variants) driving another wave,” Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said recently.

This makes it as important as ever to ensure we are fully vaccinated and up-to-date with the latest available booster, if we are to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

In fact, Vanderhoff said “If you are not vaccinated or boosted, now is the time. You can acquire significant protection before these variants” make their way into Ohio.

Yes, folks, this virus is still killing people. And it is evolving.

Although we may not hear about each new infection as we did early on in the outbreak, the virus is still circulating both here at home and around the globe. In many cases, people are able to overcome the symptoms at home and with minimal intervention from a doctor. But it remains dangerous.

“Broadly, in the medical community, we maintain a lot of confidence in the ability of vaccines to offer us protection,” Vanderhoff said.

Be ready for those holiday gatherings, shopping trips and school sporting events by making an appointment to get vaccinated or boosted as soon as possible.