![]() The program launched this week, providing continued free coverage for the estimated 25 million to 30 million adults who would have otherwise lost access to affordable COVID-19 vaccines. ![]() In April, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the "HHS Bridge Access Program For COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program" to maintain broad access to COVID-19 vaccines for millions of uninsured Americans. "As this age group has the highest risk of severe disease, these figures highlight the importance of continuing to monitor disease and implement protective measures in older age groups." Vaccines for uninsured in US "Among 16 countries that reported age-specific data on cases positive for COVID-19, 12 observed increases in case rates among people aged 65 years and above," the ECDC wrote. It had approved Pfizer's version in late August. In related news, the European Medicines Agency has approved Moderna's new Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine for use in Europe. XBB.1.5 continues to be the predominant variant in Europe. And, of 9 and 14 countries reporting COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, respectively, 1 country reported an increase in hospital admissions and 1 reported an increase in deaths. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC's) update on COVID-19 in Europe notes that, of 19 countries reporting data, 7 noted an increase in cases. XBB.1.5 still predominant variant in Europe Similar to US data, the WHO said EG.5 is now the most prevalent variant of interest, accounting for 26.1% of sequences in epidemiological week 32 (August 7 to 13). Korea, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore reported the biggest spikes in cases, with Korea and Italy also reporting the biggest jump in new 28-day deaths. ![]() Two WHO regions reported increases in deaths, the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific. Cases decreased in two WHO regions: Africa (-76%), and the Southeast Asia (-48%). ![]() Global case counts increaseĪlso today, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its weekly epidemiologic update on COVID-19, noting that globally cases have increased by 38% but deaths have decreased by 50% over the past 28 days.Ĭase counts rose by 39% in Europe, 52% in the Western Pacific, and 113% in the Eastern Mediterranean. Variants XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.16.6 accounted for 10% each of all cases tracked in the first 2 weeks of September. In the United States, Omicron lineage EG.5 represented 24.5% of cases, and FL.1.5.1 represented 13.1% of cases. Parts of Montana, Texas, Alabama, and Florida have seen significant increases in virus activity, but the CDC notes that fewer jurisdictions are reporting data in regular intervals. Roughly 18,900 Americans were hospitalized for the virus in the first week of September, the CDC said, a number not seen since mid-March. People ages 16–17 may get a booster dose of Pfizer at least 6 months after their initial series of vaccines.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today noted that COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 8.7% and deaths up 4.5% in the most recent reporting week, though numbers are still quite low. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series, or 2 months after their initial Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. While COVID-19 vaccines are effective, studies have shown some declines in vaccine effectiveness against infections over time, especially when the Delta variant was circulating widely. Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalizations has remained relatively high over time, although it tends to be slightly lower for older adults and for people with weakened immune systems. In addition to data from clinical trials, evidence from real-world vaccine effectiveness studies show that COVID-19 vaccines help protect against COVID-19 infections, with or without symptoms (asymptomatic infections). Vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19, including the risk of severe illness and death among people who are fully vaccinated. COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against COVID-19 Infections and Hospitalizations
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