COVID-19 is resurging as many individuals are taking their summer time holidays however Washington State Division of Well being (DOH) information exhibits booster charges are low. Solely 19.2% of Washingtonians are updated on their vaccines.
Whereas DOH information exhibits COVID-19 hospitalizations are considerably lower than in earlier years, instances have steadily elevated since Could.
In response to The Related Press (AP), well being officers have reported an uptick in instances this month however aren’t certain if it’s an indication of a coming summer time wave, which has occurred beforehand, or only a blip.
“We’ll need to see what occurs within the coming weeks,” Lauren Ancel Meyers of the College of Texas, who leads a analysis staff that tracks COVID-19, instructed The AP on Thursday.
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The AP added that many individuals have some extent of immunity however there are nonetheless new variants rising and lots of of COVID-19-associated deaths and 1000’s of hospitalizations are reported every week.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends these 12 years and older who acquired a vaccine earlier than September 12, 2023, ought to get one up to date Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC mentioned individuals ought to get a yearly booster shot, just like the flu vaccine, however many People aren’t doing that. Surveys present shrinking percentages of People suppose COVID-19 is a significant well being menace to the U.S. inhabitants, and point out that fewer docs are urging sufferers to get up to date vaccines.
“I fear individuals suppose COVID is behind us,” Dr. Eric Chow, chief of communicable illness epidemiology and immunizations for Seattle and King County Public Well being, instructed the Washington State Customary on Thursday.
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Chow famous the vaccine is most vital for individuals over 65 and people with earlier well being circumstances. Nevertheless, he mentioned younger persons are nonetheless prone to lengthy COVID.
In response to the DOH, lengthy COVID can final just a few weeks, months or years after getting contaminated. Frequent signs are feeling drained, fever, problem respiration, coughing, chest ache, problem focusing, headache, abdomen ache, change in scent or style and adjustments in menstrual cycles.
The DOH acknowledged the easiest way to forestall COVID is by washing fingers, sporting masks in crowds, staying residence when sick and getting vaccinated. In response to The AP, well being officers are making ready a fall vaccine marketing campaign.
Contributing: Mike Stobbe, The Related Press
Julia Dallas is a content material editor at MyNorthwest. You’ll be able to learn her tales right here. Observe Julia on X right here and e-mail her right here.