New COVID-19 vaccines are available, and people should get them
Anyone who attended the Summer Olympics or the Republican or Democratic conventions in recent weeks was bound to walk away with a souvenir or two, like a T-shirt, a button or a ballcap.
At each of the three gatherings, some of those attending did end up walking away with a decidedly unwanted souvenir – COVID-19.
About 40 athletes at the Paris Olympics tested positive for COVID-19, and while there is no exact number that’s been offered on how many people who were at the political conventions tested positive, Politico reported that “infections are running rampant after the Democratic confab in Chicago.”
COVID-19 has long been edged out of the headlines, but there has been a surge in cases this summer, with hospitalizations at twice the level of this time last year, and levels of the virus detected in wastewater either at high or very high levels in most places, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 600 people have been dying of the virus every week. With colder weather just over the horizon and schools back in session, rates of infection are likely to creep up.
Several news reports have indicated that Americans are largely taking COVID-19 with a shrug nowadays, and it’s easy to understand why. Maintaining the level of vigilance that we did during the pandemic’s darkest days in 2020 and 2021 would be far too exhausting, plus at least 70% of us have either already had the virus or have gotten multiple vaccines. Test kits for COVID-19 are no longer selling, and the masks that we all stockpiled are now more likely to be used for chores like cleaning out a dusty garage or attic.
A story in The New York Times this week looked at how some people are deciding to skip testing, even if they suspect they, or someone in their family might have COVID-19. We shouldn’t be so nonchalant about COVID-19, though. While it’s generally less dangerous than it was three or four years ago, there’s the possibility it could be spread to someone who is vulnerable to becoming severely ill or dying if they come in contact with someone who is mildly sick but decides to just carry on with their daily routines.
In time for fall, new COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and many doctor’s offices and pharmacies have appointments available to get them. There’s reason to believe that many Americans will be slow to get it, or will take a pass altogether – just 20% got the booster shot that was released this time last year. Making matters worse, a CDC program that covered the cost of the shots for uninsured individuals is expiring this weekend. For anyone without health insurance, a shot will cost about $200 out of pocket.
While there is some debate about the best time to get the new shot – some experts say now, while others make a case for getting it deeper in the season – people should get it. Vaccines are still the best way to protect yourself for COVID-19, and those you come in contact with.
And while you’re at it, a flu shot wouldn’t be bad, either.
We have noted before that vaccines are among the marvels of our age. We shouldn’t take them for granted.