Announcements

In the midst of the holiday season, U.S. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in recent weeks. More than 44% of U.S. counties are experiencing medium to high COVID-19 Community Levels. At the same time, this cold and flu season has been a severe one. The trio of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is continuing to stress the healthcare system, resulting in decreased hospital capacity and staffing shortages.

Vaccination remains the best way to stay protected against severe infection from COVID-19 and flu, protect loved ones, and keep our communities safe. But uptake of the COVID-19 updated (bivalent) booster has been low—150 million people ages 5 years and older are eligible for the updated booster but have not yet gotten it. Among adults ages 65 years and older, who are at highest risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19, 28 million people are eligible but have not yet gotten an updated booster.