In this week’s Coronavirus update, we highlight the announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the future availability of Covid-19 booster shots. We also have updated nationwide and worldwide coronavirus numbers for you.
HHS Announces Plan For Covid-19 Booster Shots
Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a statement on the Biden Administration’s plan to make Covid booster shots available to the general public on September 20, 2021. Credit was given to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Surgeon General, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and others.
The announcement states that current Covid-19 vaccines continue to be effective against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, there is an understanding now that the protection of the vaccines dwindles over time. Data from the U.S. and around the world have been analyzed in an attempt to fully understand how long the vaccines offer protection and to what degree.
Evidence shows that protection against mild and moderate cases of covid weakens some time after the initial dose. The worry is that “current protection against severe disease [author’s emphasis], hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead,” as well, especially for the immunocompromised. “We conclude that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine protection” the statement continues.
The FDA will conduct an independent evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. In addition, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will issue booster recommendations based on a review of the evidence. The Biden Administration is “prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20.” Americans will be eligible for a booster shot eight months following their second dose.
Currently, Johnson and Johnson is analyzing their data to determine if they will need to issue a booster shot as well, but they anticipate the answer to be yes. Since the Johnson and Johnson vaccine did not enter the U.S. market until March 2021, more time is needed to verify if a booster will indeed be necessary.
This comes swiftly after the FDA and CDC approved a booster shot for the immunocompromised. In their news release, they stated that the booster was not for the general public. The CDC stated that the immunocompromised do not always build up the same level of immunity, making it wise to approve booster shots for that population.
Latest U.S. Numbers
Over the last two weeks, there has been a 39% increase in the cases, a 43% increase in the number of hospitalizations, and 99% increase in deaths.
Several areas in the U.S. continue to have hot spots. Mississippi's cases have increased by 71% with 120 cases per 100,000. Florida's cases have increased 21% with 109 cases per 100,000. Louisiana's cases have increased 42% over the last 14 days with 126 cases per 100,000. Florida's cases have increased 9% with 108 cases per 100,000.
The CDC estimates that 170.4 million Americans are fully vaccinated. This accounts for 51.3% of the total population and 62.3% of adults 18 years and older. 60.5% of the total population (72.9% 18 and over) have received at least one dose.
If you are unvaccinated, below is a risk map of the U.S. based on testing data and current cases.
Latest Worldwide Covid Numbers
The number of Covid cases continues to increase around the world as well. Cases have increased by 5% to just over 659,000 cases on a daily average. Deaths have increased by 4% to over 9,800 on a daily average.
Countries around the world are continuing to have spikes in cases. Countries with the highest level of cases per capita are Georgia with 129 cases per 100,000, Kosovo with 97 cases per 100,000, and Montenegro with 82 cases per 100,000.
📌 If you are traveling anytime soon, be sure to check out the appropriate travel requirements. We track each country's testing and vaccination requirements for you, so you don't have to.
