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CDC urges older Americans to get Covid booster shots as hospitalizations soar again

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Shana Alesi administered a second COVID-19 booster to Robert Hall, an Army veteran, at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines on April 01st, 2022.

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In light of an increase in hospitalizations among older Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week advised them to receive a Covid booster shot.

“We’ve noticed a steep, substantial increase of hospitalizations in older Americans over the past weeks,” Dr. Rochelle Wilensky, Director of CDC said to the panel independent vaccine experts at the public meeting.

Walensky stated that only 43% of those 65 years and over have had a vaccination in the last six months, while 38% have been vaccinated between 50 and 64.

Walensky stated that this leaves approximately 60% of Americans over 60 without any protection to stop severe illness, hospitalizations and death. It is well-known that immunity decreases with age, so it is important to take immediate action to ensure the protection of those most in need.

Walensky stated that people over 50 should receive a fourth Covid shot and anyone 12 or older who has a weak immune system should be given a fifth. The CDC stated that people who fall into these groups may be eligible for a second shot. second Moderna and Pfizer booster dosesIf they wish them, On Thursday, the public health agency reinforced its advice and advised people to obtain the shots in order to be more protected during this current Covid wave.

According to CDC data, hospitalizations for those aged 70 or older have increased by 25% in the last week. More than 1,500 Covid-infected people were admitted per day as of Tuesday. As more transmittable omicron variants are discovered in the U.S., more Covid cases per day are being reported. This is an average of more than 100,000 Covid cases per day.

People over 50 years old can receive two doses Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. They are roughly 50% effective for preventing urgent care and emergency departments visits caused by omicron infection. This is six months after the first shot. according to data presented at a CDC committee meeting in April.An additional dose increases the protection level to around 77%.

Based largely on Israeli data, the Food and Drug Administration and CDC approved second boosters to older Americans. A fourth shot of Covid was found to reduce the death rate for people 60 years and over by 78% when compared to three shots. This study was not peer reviewed and examined more than 500k people’s health records from January to February of Clalit Health Services, Israel’s biggest health-care provider.

Dr. Peter Marks told reporters that the fourth booster dose was something Israel has shown that it can lower death and hospitalization rates in older people.

Marks stated, “We hope that by taking these actions, we will help people take steps to defend themselves should there be another wave through this country.”

CNBC Health & Science

CNBC provides the latest coverage worldwide of the Covid pandemic.

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