Friday, November 22

Vaccination rates for flu and Covid are low this season, CDC says

According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, adult vaccination rates for the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low in the United States thus far this season.

According to CDC data, as of Nov. 9, approximately 18% of U.S. adults had received the new Covid vaccine and an estimated 35% had received the new flu vaccine. Nonetheless, the organization observed that a large number of adults who were not vaccinated stated that they plan to receive their vaccinations.

According to the article, there is still time to get vaccinated.

According to the CDC, the flu vaccination rate as of October was about the same as it was at the same time the previous year. It was anticipated that roughly 44% of Americans have received a flu vaccination by the end of 2023.

The 15% Covid immunization rate is likewise comparable to that of last November.

Everyone six months of age and older should have a COVID-19 and flu vaccination, according to the CDC.

A week after President-elect Donald Trump appointed well-known anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for secretary of health and human services, the findings coincide with growing vaccine hesitancy in the United States.

Kennedy’s anticipated nomination has raised serious worries among pediatricians, who fear that his decision-making authority over vaccines may hasten the number of parents who refuse to give their children the doses, which might result in fatal epidemics.

According to a recent CDC research, flu, COVID, and RSV can all lead to serious disease, especially in those 65 and older and those with specific medical conditions. The CDC reports that influenza killed more than 200 children during the 2023–2024 season, putting young children at risk as well. Approximately 80% of those kids had not had the flu shot.

See also  Burglars steal vehicles from royal Windsor Castle estate that's home to Prince William and Kate

Low vaccination rates among nursing home patients were discovered in a second CDC research that was made public on Thursday. The researchers discovered that as of Nov. 10, just roughly 3 out of 10 residents at nursing homes had received the new Covid vaccine. Approximately 18% of residents who indicated their immunization status had received an RSV vaccine, while 58% had received a flu shot, which is a lower percentage than at the same time previous year.

“More nursing home residents need protection from RSV, COVID-19, and flu,” according to the research. “Nursing home leadership and staff can talk to residents and their loved ones about the benefits and safety of vaccines.”

RSV vaccination rates among nursing home residents have risen from less than 7% in mid-November of last year to over 18% this year, which is the favorable trend mentioned in both papers. According to the CDC, individuals 75 years of age and older should receive the first RSV vaccination, which was authorized for use in older adults in 2023.

The RSV vaccine, which is administered as a single dose rather than annually, is advised for those 60 years of age and older who are at a higher risk of developing a serious illness.

The CDC suggests a vaccine for expectant moms or an antibody shot for newborns to protect infants, who are also at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from an RSV infection.

According to the CDC, since June, the rate of RSV vaccination among individuals aged 75 and older has climbed from 30% to almost 40%, while the rate among those aged 60 to 74 has increased from 23% to just over 31%.

See also  With Matt Gaetz's withdrawal, Trump's 'retribution' campaign hits the harsh reality of governing in Washington

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *