Rising COVID-19 Numbers and the Importance of Immunization: A Doctor’s Perspective
By Dr. Rashid Chotani, Chief Medical Director, IEM
As we navigate through the summer and into fall, it is increasingly clear that COVID-19 is still with us and here to stay. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), data from their sentinel-based surveillance system, across 84 countries, the percent of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 has been rising over several weeks [1]. Recent U.S. data shows a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases, reminding us of the virus’ persistent presence and the importance of staying vigilant.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) wastewater monitoring program has detected a “very high” presence of the virus in nearly half the country (Figure 1).
COVID has historically spiked in the summer.
We are currently experiencing an oppressively hot summer, particularly in the Southwest U.S. resulting in people spending more time indoors and out of the heat. The current wave is also fueled by new COVID KP.3 strains — subvariants of the highly infectious Omicron strain, and its related variant, LB. 1. This new omicron subvariant, along with the fast-growing FLiRT strains, appear to be contributing to an anticipated summer wave according to the CDC.
Vaccination rates are down as well. The most recent data from the CDC’s vaccine tracking system states that only 22.5% of adults have received an updated COVID vaccine since last September. This further exacerbates the public health issue and spread of the virus.
August, Immunization Awareness Month, serves as a timely reminder of the vital role vaccines play in safeguarding our individual and community health.
As a medical expert, I have seen firsthand how effective vaccines are in preventing severe illness and saving lives. Here are some items to consider this crucial month, especially in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
The Current COVID-19 Situation
Despite the progress made, the summer uptick in COVID-19 cases is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent. Variants of the virus continue to emerge. The current rise in cases is a wake-up call for communities and health systems worldwide to stay vigilant in safeguarding our health and the health of those around us. And there is a proven and reliable way to do that – vaccinations.
Why Vaccination Matters More Than Ever
Protection Against Severe Illness: Vaccines have consistently shown their effectiveness in reducing the severity of COVID-19. For many, particularly immuno-comprised individuals, they help prevent hospitalizations and deaths, easing the burden on our healthcare system.
Reducing Transmission: While no vaccine is 100% effective, vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus, contributing to broader community protection. This is particularly important for protecting vulnerable populations who cannot get vaccinated for a variety of health reasons.
Preventing Long COVID: Emerging evidence suggests that vaccination reduces the risk of long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist for months or years after the initial infection.
Immunization Awareness Month: A Call to Action
Immunization Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the importance of vaccines, especially as children head back to school.
Here are a few steps we can take:
📰 Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest guidelines from health authorities and understand the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines.
💉 Get Vaccinated: Get a COVID-19 vaccination and stay current with booster. Now is the time. It’s also a good time to catch up on other important vaccinations, like the flu shot or shingles.
🗣️ Encourage Others: Talk to family and friends about the importance of vaccines. Share accurate information and help dispel myths and misconceptions.
As we face rising COVID-19 numbers, we should remember the lessons learned over the past few years. Vaccination remains one of our most powerful tools in fighting the pandemic.
This Immunization Awareness Month, commit to protecting yourself, your family, and our communities by staying informed and vaccinated. Together, we can look forward to a healthier future.
IEM’s COVID-19 Response
IEM has been at the forefront of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team of experts managed vaccine distribution programs, conducted AI-based modeling and simulation, and deployed healthcare workers on the frontlines to combat COVID-19. Learn more about IEM Health by visiting IEM.com/capabilities/iem-health/.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.*
[1] The United Nations Office at Geneva, https://www.unognewsroom.org/story/en/2284/covid-19-situation-update-who-06aug2024/0
