Latest Data Shows 36 Million American Adults Have Received Updated COVID Vaccine
An estimated 36 million adults in the United States have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine as of the latest data available, marking a significant milestone.
In addition, approximately 3.5 million children have also received the updated shot, based on a sample survey of the U.S. population by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These figures illustrate a comparable uptake to the previous bivalent booster program aimed at different COVID variants during the same period last year, suggesting a consistent response relative to past vaccination campaigns.
However, despite this steady uptake, it’s important to note that only 13.9% of the adult population has been vaccinated, falling short of the intended goal and below initial polling projections.
Polling data from the KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor in September indicated that while nearly half of adults expressed willingness to receive the updated booster, the current vaccination rate remains below those expectations.
The updated vaccine is designed to target the latest circulating variants such as XBB, a strain related to the omicron variant, which pose significant health risks.
Several pharmaceutical companies have developed formulations of the updated vaccine to cover various age groups, ensuring comprehensive protection against evolving viral strains.
Furthermore, the same CDC survey revealed that a significant proportion of the population have received the flu vaccine and other relevant respiratory virus vaccines, indicating a positive trend in vaccination coverage for other related illnesses.
Public health authorities recommend timely vaccination against respiratory viruses, highlighting the importance of accessing vaccines through established healthcare providers and facilities.
Recent data from the CDC demonstrates lower outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses compared to previous seasons, indicating an overall reduction in the spread of infectious respiratory diseases.
However, experts caution that while the current trends appear promising, continued vigilance and adherence to vaccination protocols are vital to sustaining these positive outcomes.
Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital and an ABC News contributor, emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and proactive measures to mitigate potential viral outbreaks.
