Test positivity, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as expert warns: ‘It’s still dangerous’

Summary

Covid cases are surging across the U.S. post-holidays, with rising test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths, while booster uptake remains low.

Only 21.4% of adults and 10.3% of children have received the latest booster, leaving vulnerable groups, including the elderly, at higher risk.

Experts warn of continued dangers from Covid, including long Covid and economic impacts, as the virus has not yet reached an endemic state.

With uncertain federal priorities, researchers stress the importance of monitoring infections, updating vaccines, and using preventive measures to mitigate future waves.

  • @[email protected]
    52•4 days ago

    I live in NYS. I had to pay $200+ out of pocket for the booster because my medical insurance would only cover vaccines administered by a doctor’s office, and the booster was only distributed to pharmacies. My medical insurance does not cover ANY prescriptions because apparently it’s an optional DLC now.

    Only CVS and Walgreens were given the boosters too so they could set whatever price they wanted.

    I don’t know a single other adult other than my partner that paid out for the booster because it was so expensive. If my immune system worked I could play roulette with vaccines too, but it doesn’t so I just continue to get my physical safety held hostage for more money.

    • @flames5123
      8•2 days ago

      I have to go to the doctors office every 3 months for ADHD check in with my medication. They ask me every year if I want the flu vaccine, and I take it. Every year I ask if I can get the COVID booster, ans they say “only for kids.” It’s wild to me.

    • SkeezixEnglish
      1•2 days ago

      deleted by creator

    • @SuperIceEnglish
      30•4 days ago

      CVS MinuteClinic are actual doctors, so they may be covered. That’s how I got my HPV vaccines, which would have been $300 per dose if the pharmacist administered it instead. It was free with MinuteClinic.

      • @[email protected]
        12•3 days ago

        That is really helpful to know. I don’t recall there being any MinuteClinics around here, but I’ll take a look for next time, thank you :)

    • @[email protected]English
      15•4 days ago

      Same. Too much insurance not covering anything bullshit and I don’t have a few hundred dollars to dump on this because of paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars for the insurance that doesn’t do anything. It speaks to the absolute failure of a healthcare system. I have half a mind to just go uninsured. Then maybe I can afford the vaccines at least as a first line of defense against illness. It’s not like I’m not gonna get shrecked for ten bajillion dollarys by the insurance company if I actually got sick anyways.

      I see the other comment though and will try a CVS.

    • Drusas
      3•3 days ago

      CVS and Walgreens are not the only pharmacies that received the latest booster.