Concerns about the omicron COVID-19 variant have grown in recent days as scientists continue to study the strain.The variant has not been detected in the U.S., but it’s believed it will be soon, as one out of every seven new cases in the country is now being checked for the omicron strain.State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said right now, scientists are digging into mutations in the variant's "spike protein," which is what vaccines target.“But because of the number and types of mutations that are seen with this new strain, it’s predicted that the new variant of concern will be more infectious and possibly evade a person’s immune system,” Chan said.Chan said as health officials and the general public wait to learn more about the omicron variant, it's important for all eligible people to get vaccinated or receive a booster shot. >> Re-watch Tuesday's briefing** Town-by-town: COVID-19 case data | Vaccination data **--