In this week's coronavirus update, the FDA and the CDC approve the use of booster shots for the immunocompromised. We continue to cover the spread of the Delta variant as infections continue to rise. As always, we have nationwide and worldwide infection numbers for you.
FDA and CDC Approve Booster Shot
On Thursday, the FDA approved the use of the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster for the immunocompromised. They reiterated that this is not for the general public, but for individuals who have compromised immune systems. People who are considered immunocompromised include those undergoing cancer treatment, organ recipients, stem cell recipients, and others. Those who are eligible may receive the third dose at least 28 days after their second dose.
This announcement comes weeks after the FDA and CDC released a joint statement stating that booster shots were not needed. This week, the FDA stated that the country is in another wave of the pandemic and they recognize that a change may be necessary. The FDA exclaimed that they are "especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease" and concluded that they would "benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines."
On Friday, the CDC approved the administration of booster shots as well. CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky released a statement explaining that people with compromised immune systems "do not always build the same level of immunity compared to people who are not immunocompromised" and account for a large portion of breakthrough cases. In her final remarks, Walensky echoed the FDA's comments that the booster shot is not recommended for the general population.
U.S. Daily Covid Cases Surpass 140,000
As of August 13, 2021, the number of daily covid infections has surpassed 140,000. This is the highest since January 29th when new infections were at 156,000. The current seven-day average is 119,523. Last week we reported that the U.S. seems to be following the same path as the UK. The UK had its third wave in July, which resembled its biggest wave in January.
The U.S. seems to be continuing on the same trajectory. The numbers of August 13th resemble the number at the end of January. When the UK's infections crested in mid-July, their numbers resembled that of early January. That means the U.S. could reach 250,000 daily cases again if the trajectory of infections continues on a similar path as the UK's.
67% of the UK's population 18 and over was fully vaccinated when they hit their peak. Right now, the U.S. remains at 61% fully vaccinated and 71.8% with at least one dose. If the current wave in the United States continues to follow the UK, we would need roughly 185 million people (67% 18 and over) to be fully vaccinated before the curve drops again.
Over the past five weeks, the percent of vaccinations has risen an average of 0.86% per week. If the vaccination rate continues at a similar pace, the United States population will not reach 67% fully vaccinated until late October, possibly later. Of course, these are only projections and many factors could affect the current wave.
Latest U.S. Numbers
Over the last two weeks, there has been a 65% increase in the cases, a 69% increase in the number of hospitalizations, and 113% increase in deaths.
Several areas in the U.S. continue to have hot spots. Louisiana's cases have increased 42% over the last 14 days with 126 cases per 100,000. Mississippi's cases have increased by 123% with 110 cases per 100,000. Florida's cases have increased 37% with 101 cases per 100,000.
The CDC estimates that 168.1 million Americans are fully vaccinated. This accounts for 50.6% of the total population and 61.6% of adults 18 years and older. 59.5% of the total population (71.8% 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 6% to just over 625,000 cases on a daily average. Deaths have increased by 3% to over 9,000 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 126 cases per 100,000, Botswana with 88 cases per 100,000, and the Isle of Man 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.
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