In this week's coronavirus update, Pfizer calls for booster shots and we discuss the update on the Delta variant. We also have updated nationwide infection numbers for you.
Pfizer Calls For Covid-19 Booster Shots
Days ago, Israel claimed that the Pfizer vaccine is becoming less effective due to the spread of the Delta Variant. Israel was one of the first countries to begin vaccinating its citizens, primarily utilizing the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine. According to John Hopkins, just over 57% of the Israeli population has been vaccinated. General Hezi Levi, the exiting Israeli Health Minister, stated last Monday that the Pfizer vaccine's effectiveness at preventing infection has dropped to 64%.
The announcement caused some alarm, given that the effectiveness of prevention for the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine has been hovering in the mid 90 percentile. Minister Levi reports that the vaccine is still 93% effective at preventing hospitalization and death.
In response, Pfizer began seeking clearance for the distribution of a booster shot. In an announcement on Thursday, Pfizer also reported they are working on a booster shot that will provide additional immunity against the Deta variant. When available, Pfizer recommends waiting at least six months before getting the booster shot.
Interestingly enough, hours after Pfizer announced that they would be seeking the green light for booster distribution, the CDC and the FDA made their own announcement. The joint statement highlighted the efficacy of the vaccines in protecting people from "variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta." The statement went on to say that fully vaccinated Americans "do not need a booster shot" and they are ready for "booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed."
Delta Variant Is Now Dominant In U.S.
As of June 19th, the Delta variant was the second most common variant spreading in the United States. CDC estimates as of July 3rd place Delta as the dominant variant, dethroning the Alpha variant that hit the U.S. in the Spring. Experts predicted weeks ago that it would become the dominant variant because of its high transmissibility.
In light of the Delta variant spreading around the world, the World Health Organization recently repeated its guidance that everyone should wear a mask, despite vaccination status. Despite this directive from the WHO, the CDC has maintained that those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask in many situations.
Meanwhile, hospitalizations are indicating that children are not getting seriously ill from Delta. While Delta has been hitting the younger age groups, there is no indication that children are becoming seriously ill. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease doctor of the University of California San Francisco stated, “There’s no evidence it’s more severe in children."
Latest U.S. Numbers
In the last week, there has been a 59% increase in COVID cases in the United States. Hospitalizations are up 5%, but deaths are down by 27%. Despite the increase in cases, largely due to the Delta Variant, it's optimistic to see the death count still declining.
Areas of the nation that continue to have hot spots include portions of Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and now Montana. The top three states with the most increase in cases are Tennessee with a 7-day increase of 224%, Arkansas with an increase of 174%, and Alabama with an increase of 159%.
New estimates from the CDC indicate that 159 million Americans are fully vaccinated, or 47.9 percent. Over 183 million, or 55%, have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Latest Worldwide COVID Numbers
The number of cases worldwide is also increasing, with a 12% increase in the total number of cases. The number of deaths has decreased by 7%.
Countries that continue to see spikes in cases include Libya, Spain, and Kazakhstan. Countries at the very top of the list to consider avoiding include Malta with a 1,678% increase in cases, Luxembourg with a 1,065% increase in the last seven days, and the British Virgin Islands with a 758% increase.
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.