In the face of a significant rise in hospitalizations due to flu, Covid, and RSV, the CDC has issued an urgent call as vaccination rates for all three remain disappointingly low.
Currently, we seem to be heading blindly into the respiratory virus season where flu has always been a significant challenge. Historically, vaccination rates for the flu have been underwhelming, always falling below 50% for adults. This year, the figures are even lower - hovering in the mid-thirties for both children and adults.
The comparative analysis of Covid vaccination trends since the start of the vaccination drive paints an alarming picture. While there was an initial surge of people getting the first shot, the number significantly dwindles down for follow-up shots. Most concerning is the update vaccination against Covid, with fewer than 20% of the population opting for it.
As for RSV - a virus that is particularly dangerous for older populations as well as infants - fewer than 16% of people have opted for the recommended vaccine. This lack of uptake is especially shocking due to the severity the virus can present in vulnerable populations.
Contributing to the concern are the rapidly increasing hospitalization rates. Compared to the previous month, there has been a 200% increase for flu, 51% increase for Covid, and a 60% increase for RSV.
This poses a serious risk to individuals who are already at a higher risk due to their age or pre-existing conditions. According to estimates, nearly 70% of the country could be deemed to be in this higher risk category.
Despite the alarming start to the season, it's not too late to get vaccinated. The season is long, and it's very easy for individuals to become ill rapidly. This is particularly true as we head into the holiday season, where gatherings and travel could potentially fuel a spike in cases. The CDC's urgent call for vaccination is, thus, critical in ensuring our collective health and wellbeing. Taking heed and getting vaccinated can help keep individuals, families, and communities safer in the face of these perils.
