Test positivity, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as expert warns: ‘It’s still dangerous’

Summary

Covid cases are surging across the U.S. post-holidays, with rising test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths, while booster uptake remains low.

Only 21.4% of adults and 10.3% of children have received the latest booster, leaving vulnerable groups, including the elderly, at higher risk.

Experts warn of continued dangers from Covid, including long Covid and economic impacts, as the virus has not yet reached an endemic state.

With uncertain federal priorities, researchers stress the importance of monitoring infections, updating vaccines, and using preventive measures to mitigate future waves.

  • clarinet_estimator@lemm.ee
    32·
    4 months ago

    I live in NYS. I had to pay $200+ out of pocket for the booster because my medical insurance would only cover vaccines administered by a doctor’s office, and the booster was only distributed to pharmacies. My medical insurance does not cover ANY prescriptions because apparently it’s an optional DLC now.

    Only CVS and Walgreens were given the boosters too so they could set whatever price they wanted.

    I don’t know a single other adult other than my partner that paid out for the booster because it was so expensive. If my immune system worked I could play roulette with vaccines too, but it doesn’t so I just continue to get my physical safety held hostage for more money.

    • SuperIce@lemmy.worldEnglish
      17·
      4 months ago

      CVS MinuteClinic are actual doctors, so they may be covered. That’s how I got my HPV vaccines, which would have been $300 per dose if the pharmacist administered it instead. It was free with MinuteClinic.

      • clarinet_estimator@lemm.ee
        7·
        4 months ago

        That is really helpful to know. I don’t recall there being any MinuteClinics around here, but I’ll take a look for next time, thank you :)

    • flames5123@lemmy.world
      4·
      3 months ago

      I have to go to the doctors office every 3 months for ADHD check in with my medication. They ask me every year if I want the flu vaccine, and I take it. Every year I ask if I can get the COVID booster, ans they say “only for kids.” It’s wild to me.

  • Lenny@lemmy.world
    115·
    4 months ago

    I got a booster in September as I was planning a trip to India, but I will say that thing knocked me on my fucking ass so much. As much as I believe in vaccination, it’s gonna be a hard sell to my brain to go back next year and get it again.

    • bitchkat@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      4 months ago

      I just got my booster last week and this was the first one where I didnt need the next day in bed. I’ve never had the 'Rona (that I know of).

    • blind3rdeye@lemm.ee
      1·
      3 months ago

      I know what you mean. Like, I understand that the vaccination is definitely worth taking. But feeling sick for a day after taking it saps the motivation to get it again. I want the vaccine, but it’s so much harder to organise getting it again after having a negative experience like that. (Note, I’ve have a few covid vaccinations; and only once did I feel sick for a day because of it.)