Coronavirus Watch: 3rd Pfizer dose offers protection against omicron

A third jab of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine offers more protection than only two doses against the newest coronavirus variant of concern, omicron, the companies said Wednesday.

Preliminary lab data based on the level of neutralizing antibodies showed that two doses of the vaccine provides some protection but may not be enough to protect against infection. A third dose offered a level of protection against omicron similar to what two doses provided against the original coronavirus and other variants.

Scientists and health officials are still conducting studies to learn more about omicron. There are already cases in at least one-third of U.S. states, and early information indicates it could be more contagious, but perhaps less dangerous than previous variants, such as delta.

It's Wednesday, and this is Coronavirus Watch from the Paste BN Network. Here's more news to know:

• Minnesota's intensive care units are at 98% capacity – the highest level yet during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Less than two weeks after news of the omicron variant spread worldwide, the vast majority of Americans have heard of it. While most are at least somewhat concerned about the variant, few say they will change their holiday plans because of it, according to a new poll.
• A federal judge has ruled in favor of seven states and several contractors in the legal battle over enforcement of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors.

• Canadian drug manufacturer Medigo says that its plant-based, two-dose COVID vaccine is 71% effective, and it will seek approval in Canada, the U.S., the UK and other countries.

Today's numbers: The U.S. has recorded more than 49 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 791,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Global totals: More than 267.5 million cases and 5.2 million deaths. More than 199 million Americans – 60.1% of the population – are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Tracking the pandemic: See the numbers in your area here. See where cases are rising here. See vaccination rates here. And here, compare vaccinations rates worldwide and see which countries are using which vaccines.

— Ryan Miller, Paste BN breaking news reporter, @RyanW_Miller