The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sounded an alarm regarding the surge in respiratory viruses across the nation and the subsequent risk posed by low vaccination rates.
Data from the CDC, covering up to mid-November, indicates that approximately 15% of adults and 5% of children have received the latest Covid-19 vaccine. Expressing their concerns, the CDC stated, “COVID-19 vaccine uptake is lower than we’d like to see, leaving many without the added protection that can reduce the severity of COVID-19.”
Despite lower hospitalization rates compared to last year, the recent spike in Covid-19 hospitalizations is noticeable, with over 16,000 new admissions recorded during the week ending November 11. Although the hospitalization figures are lower than last year, they are almost three times higher than the record low observed during this summer.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC Director, highlighted the importance of getting the most recent Covid-19 vaccine, particularly as the virus continues to evolve. Stressing on the waning protection from previous Covid-19 infections or vaccinations over time, Cohen emphasized the significance of getting updated vaccinations for the winter season.
While flu and RSV cases are also rising, data from the CDC indicates that most respiratory virus hospitalizations this season are attributed to Covid-19. Despite this, only about a third of adults and children have received the flu shot this season, with a mere 14% of older adults receiving the new RSV vaccine.
Highlighting the impact of Covid-19 on hospitalizations and deaths, especially among older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, the CDC reiterated the vaccine’s ability to reduce the severity of illness, save lives, and minimize hospitalizations.
As the respiratory virus season begins, the CDC encourages immediate vaccination, emphasizing the two-week period required for the body to build maximum antibodies post-vaccination. While the vaccination rate among seniors remains higher, a considerable proportion of this population is yet to receive the latest vaccine.
The CDC also addressed disparities in vaccination rates among racial and ethnic groups, noting lower uptake among Black and Hispanic adults compared to White adults. However, survey data suggests higher intentions among Black and Hispanic adults to receive or have received the new vaccine compared to White adults.
Overall, despite the majority of adults in the US showing less concern about contracting or spreading Covid-19 during the holidays, only around half intend to get the latest vaccine. The division in plans concerning other preventive measures, such as masking or avoiding crowded places and travel, mirrors the divide in vaccination intentions.
