(NewsNation) — The pandemic may be long over, but health experts are encouraging the American public to receive the latest COVID-19 booster shots.
Child vaccination rates may be faltering post-pandemic, but the CDC is still recommending everyone older than 6 months receive an updated COVID shot.
“The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time,” the CDC’s website says.
The World Health Organization on Aug. 6 emphasized, “COVID-19 is still very much with us,” with new waves of sickness registered worldwide.
“Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States,” it said.
The CDC estimates that COVID cases are growing or likely growing for a majority of the country. While eight states remain stable or uncertain, only Nevada and Connecticut are showing signs of decline.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen says getting vaccinated is the “top recommendation” for avoiding respiratory illnesses.
The department’s weekly positivity rates have been increasing steadily since May 11, 2024, sitting at 17.6% positivity on Aug. 3. That high of a positivity rate was last recorded in early 2022.
“Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season,” she said.
Dr. Chin-Hong, a professor in the University of California San Francisco Health’s infectious disease division, told The New York Times there is reason to do so.
Chin-Hong told the Times those who receive the boosters currently available could limit the possibility of getting COVID for multiple weeks: “It will give you more confidence that your plans won’t be disrupted.”