Omicron Variant November 26, 2021 5:23 pm What Is the Omicron COVID-19 Variant? A new variant, named B.1.1.529, was named a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization and given the name “omicron” from the letter in the Greek alphabet. US & World Videos 1:31 CDC recommends updated Covid shot for everyone ages 6 months and up