According to U.S. health experts, an early fall surge in influenza cases has caused hospitalization rates for the virus to reach their highest levels for this time of year in ten years. They also noted that vaccination rates are declining.
According to officials, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID infections are putting stress on hospitals in addition to the growing number of flu cases. They urged people to be immunized and offered to help any states that might require more assistance.
Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told reporters, “There’s no doubt we will face some challenges this winter,” adding that the flu season thus far does not appear to be more severe but has arrived earlier than usual.
Compared to the same period last year, 5 million fewer doses of the influenza vaccine have been given to adults in the United States so far this year, according to officials.
Children’s flu vaccination rates are around the same this year, but overall vaccination rates are down 6% from prior to the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020.
This season, almost 5% fewer pregnant women have received flu vaccinations, which officials say is particularly concerning because the injection protects both the expectant woman and her unborn child.
Sanofi SA, GSK, and Seqirus, a division of CSL Ltd., produce flu vaccines for Americans.
