URGENT UPDATE: COVID-19 cases are escalating in the United States as children return to school and colder weather approaches. For the week ending August 30, 2023, the hospitalization rate surged to 1.7 per 100,000, effectively doubling from just two months prior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 11.2% of weekly COVID tests are now coming back positive, a significant rise from 3.3% earlier this summer.
Despite these alarming trends, current metrics remain considerably lower than during previous years. Hospitalization rates are approximately three times lower than this time last year, and the weekly positivity rate is about half of what it was a year ago. However, with roughly 200 Americans succumbing to COVID each week, the situation warrants concern.
Confusion surrounds vaccine eligibility after the FDA approved updated COVID vaccine versions for individuals over age 65 and younger high-risk populations. Federal health officials emphasize that anyone wishing to receive the shot should be able to do so. As of now, the XFG variant, an offshoot of Omicron, dominates new cases, accounting for an estimated 78% of infections in the U.S.
“When the dust settles, I expect it to not be as bad as last year… but that still means that some people are getting sick,” stated Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Chin-Hong attributes the uptick to the typical factors seen with respiratory viruses, including a lapse of immunity in those who haven’t been infected for over six months and the emergence of new variants. Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University adds that the currently circulating variants are all closely related, indicating no major mutations that would significantly increase transmissibility.
In light of these developments, Pfizer-BioNTech announced plans for its 2025-2026 COVID vaccine to target the LP.8.1 sublineage, aligning with FDA guidelines to better match circulating strains. However, the rollout of these vaccines remains unclear, with pharmacy chains like CVS stating policies will vary by state. In 34 states, vaccinations are available at CVS locations, while others require prescriptions for specific age groups.
Dr. Chin-Hong expresses concern over declining vaccination rates as the nation heads into the critical fall and winter respiratory virus seasons. “As vaccination rates decline, it means fewer people will get vaccinated, even if they want to,” he warned. This trend could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations and fatalities.
Dr. Schaffner urges all eligible individuals to receive both the COVID and annual influenza vaccines, advising those at risk to practice caution, including wearing masks in crowded indoor settings. “If you’re really concerned, do some social distancing,” he recommended.
As the situation unfolds, public health officials stress the importance of vigilance as schools reopen and individuals return to indoor activities. The urgent need for continued awareness and vaccination cannot be overstated.
