Vaccines against the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may not be perfect but remain the best defence against the virus.

Premier Andrew Furey made the comment during a year-end interview with VOCM News.

Furey notes the jury is still out on the effectiveness of vaccines against Omicron, but it is known that it spreads faster than any other variant to date.

The premier says that’s why government is taking extra precautions now, before the health care system can become overwhelmed.

He says the vaccines, and particularly the booster shot, could become the annual norm to combat COVID.

Furey says while there are so-called “chinks in the armor,” it may ultimately lead to three doses of vaccine for all, eventually becoming a yearly regimen against COVID.

The premier says vaccine series often come in three doses, but reiterated that it’s too soon to scientifically say how effective that regimen will be against the virus, and its mutations, long term.

Meanwhile, the provincial government is hosting a live COVID briefing this morning.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald and Health Minister John Haggie are hosting the briefing at 11 a.m.

VOCM News will carry the briefing, probably the last before Christmas, live as it will help to provide additional information for families heading into the holiday season.