State leaders are pushing for vaccines as the omicron variant is expected to arrive in coming days.

The omicron variant has not yet been detected in the United States, but Gov. Kathy Hochul says it's headed here.

Both Gov. Hochul and President Joe Biden spoke about the variant and concerns that come with it.

"We talked about this variant, we know it's coming," Hochul says. "But here's the good news, we're not defenseless."

The World Health Organization called the overall risk of the variant high, and health experts say they are not sure if the vaccines will be effective against it. However, masks and vaccines are the tools we have.

The omicron variant is a strain of COVID-19 first detected in South Africa. The variant is causing alarm across the globe because it has 30 mutations of the spike protein, which could affect immunity.

Gov. Hochul spoke urged New Yorkers to get the vaccine or booster if they need it.

"What I want to make sure happens is everybody who's had one dose gets that second dose because you're not fully protected without the second dose," Hochul says. "We are sending text messages, we're aggressively going after everybody saying come on, get the second dose and then plan for your booster six months from then, as well."

As of now, anyone age 5 and over is eligible for the vaccine and anyone over the age of 18 is eligible for a booster.