The agency reports that the figures for hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 remain relatively low. However, recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a 23 percent increase in emergency room visits related to COVID-19 for the week ending on June 22. Despite this increase, there was no significant change in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Deaths associated with the virus also rose by about 14 percent during the same period.
Comparing these recent percentage increases with historical data, the CDC notes that the number of deaths and hospitalizations is near all-time lows. Wastewater COVID-19 levels reported to the CDC indicate low viral activity nationally, although there is a rise in viral levels in the Western United States.
The CDC’s statement online highlights that COVID-19 activity was lower during April and May 2024 than at any time since the start of the pandemic. Although recent increases in COVID-19 indicators suggest potential growth in activity, the agency emphasizes that national COVID-19 activity remains low. Monitoring will continue to assess if these recent increases persist.
As of June 22, the majority of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. were attributed to the KP.3, LB.1, and KP.2 variants. The CDC spokesperson mentioned that the LB.1 variant may infect some people more easily due to its spike protein configuration. However, there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease. The agency also stated that the KP.3 variant does not appear to cause more severe symptoms.
In response to these variants, an advisory panel for the FDA recommended that vaccine makers target any COVID-19 variants derived from JN.1. These vaccines are expected to be rolled out in the fall of 2024. Federal health officials recommend that older Americans, in particular, should receive the updated vaccine to reduce the risk of severe symptoms.
The cost of each dose of the new vaccine is estimated to be up to $130. It is crucial to stay informed about the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 and the variants to make informed decisions regarding vaccination. Please rewrite this sentence.
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