(BPT) – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a public health concern, and we continue to see regular spikes in infections and hospitalizations1. However, although SARS-CoV-2 infections, like influenza, tend to increase in the fall and winter, the burden remains year-round, and COVID-19 remains the leading cause of hospitalizations due to respiratory infections. I am. 2,3 As we head into the cold season, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 vaccination rates among adults remain lower than for influenza, despite the increased risk of hospitalization and death.
For some people, symptoms of COVID-19 persist for weeks, months, or even years after infection6. Nearly 20% of American adults and nearly 1 in 4 children/adolescents report experiencing symptoms of prolonged coronavirus infection, known as long COVID. .7,8
“As much as we wish we wouldn’t have to think about coronavirus anymore, it’s still here and we need to do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.” James Mansi, Moderna’s Vice President of North American Medical Affairs. . “Routine vaccination remains a highly effective way to protect against COVID-19, especially during the fall and winter months when respiratory infections increase9. is particularly important for those at highest risk of severe disease.”10
Who is most at risk for complications from COVID-19?
Three out of four adults in the United States have underlying health conditions that may increase their risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. 11 Factors that may increase your risk of developing severe COVID-19 include: 12
Are over 65 years old, have multiple risk factors for diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and lung disease.
“People who are at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19 are also more likely to develop long-term COVID-19, making it even more important to receive the latest vaccines,” said Wayne University Professor of Emergency Medicine. said Dr. Philip Levy. State University: “This includes people with chronic conditions and people 65 and older, with eight in 10 deaths from COVID-19 occurring in this age group.”
Take the first step to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
Routine vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness and long-term complications after infection with COVID-196. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025. Omicron mutant strain KP.2. 14 These updated vaccines offer better protection against severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. 14 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive updated vaccines this fall and winter. 15
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly changing, and immunity from previous vaccinations or infections decreases over time. 16,17 Updated vaccines are designed to provide better protection in response to mutations in COVID-19. 17
For people who have recently been infected with COVID-19, the CDC recommends waiting three months (90 days) after the recent infection before receiving the latest vaccination. 11 For example, if you were infected with COVID-19 in June of this year, you can wait. Get the latest COVID-19 vaccine in September. 17
Vaccination can help prevent serious consequences of COVID-19 and, in turn, help prevent long-lasting COVID-19 infections. Prolonged COVID-19 infection can cause long-term symptoms such as fatigue, fatigue, and brain fog6. People who are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as older adults and people with underlying health conditions, are also at higher risk of developing long-term COVID-19 infection6.
Encourage your loved ones, especially those at high risk, to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine now.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you and get other resources about COVID-19, visit ForYouAndThem.com.
Content developed by Moderna.
References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/changing-threat-covid-19.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/covidvaxview/weekly-dashboard/index.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/weekly.html
6. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-Effects/index.html
7. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm
8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-13495-5
9. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7929033/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7880833/
*Cohort study of adult cases of COVID-19 during the Omicron wave outbreak in Quebec, Canada, from December 5, 2021 to January 9, 2022 (n = 245,956).
12. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html
13. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/
14. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-payments/fda-approves-and-authorizes-updated-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-better-protect-against-currently
15. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html
16. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/variants-happen.html
17. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
