A dozen states have noted a “substantial” increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
COVID-19 hospitalizations began to rise over the summer, but have begun to decline in recent weeks. They are weak for the vast majority of the country, according to the CDC. There were 19,079 admissions in the week to Sept. 23, down 3. 1%. of last week.
However, in 12 states, COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased by more than 20%, which the CDC calls a “substantial” increase.
Connecticut saw the largest increase (36%) in hospital admissions, followed by Montana (32. 2%), Delaware (31. 8%), Wisconsin (31. 6%), New Mexico (29. 5%) and New Hampshire (27. 6%).
Six other states also saw hospitalizations increase by more than 20 percent: South Dakota, North Dakota, Maryland, Idaho, Nevada and Minnesota.
At the end of the spectrum, three states saw hospital admissions drop by more than 20 percent, which the CDC calls a “substantial” decline.
Mississippi experienced the decline (-42. 8%), followed by Alaska (-35. 1%) and Florida (21. 6%).
A CDC spokesperson told Newsweek earlier this week that the agency’s genomic surveillance indicated that most infections were due “to strains very similar to Omicron strains” circulating since early 2022.
“Although rates now appear to be stabilizing, we are entering October, which is the typical start of the respiratory virus season,” the spokesperson said. “Even if hospitalization rates stabilize for a few weeks, they may simply increase in the coming weeks. “, and prevention remains the focus. “
In September, the Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, and the CDC suggested that nearly everyone, including toddlers up to 6 months, get vaccinated before the next fall respiratory virus season.
About 2 million Americans reportedly won the new injection in the two weeks after it was approved, amid a messy implementation that included hurdles by companies.
Amid reports that some patients had to pay as much as $190 for an injection at pharmacies, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a public message aimed at “the community of physical care payers. “
“We are fully aligned with our goals of offering each and every one of them the updated COVID-19 vaccine,” he wrote. “With thousands of programs rejected every day, we lack opportunities to save lives together. “
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said vaccines would remain free for as many U. S. citizens as possible through the Children’s Vaccine Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program, maximum advertising insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs. or underinsured, CDC’s Bridge Access program will offer flexible coverage.
An HHS spokesperson told Newsweek that while there have been reports of “unexpected denial of policy at the point of care,” those reports are being processed through government centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.