"With COVID cases surging across California at levels not seen since a year ago, and the fall respiratory virus season approaching, access to vaccines may be more limited. The virus is no longer the menace that five years ago unleashed a pandemic, caused a million U.S. deaths and spurred government mask mandates and gathering restrictions. Demand for COVID vaccines has fallen, with some 60% in the U.S. showing little or no interest, according to an August Kaiser Family Foundation survey."
"But when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 shots for the 2025-2026 season last month, it authorized them only for seniors and younger people with at least one high-risk medical condition, such as cancer or obesity. On September 18, an advisory panel at the CDC is set to consider recommendations about vaccine eligibility. Earlier this year, Kennedy replaced the entire CDC panel, naming several doctors and researchers who have repeatedly questioned the safety of commonly used vaccines and ingredients."
"Those who do want to get the shot and thereby reduce risk of severe illness face conflicting recommendations from federal, state and other health officials, plus uncertainty over access and whether insurance will cover the cost. Never has our population been more confused than now, said John Swartzberg, a clinical professor of infectious diseases and vaccinology at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health."
COVID cases are surging in California as the fall respiratory virus season approaches, which may constrain vaccine access. Vaccine demand has declined, with about 60% of U.S. adults showing little or no interest according to an August Kaiser Family Foundation survey. Current variants continue to cause sore throats, fevers and other symptoms. Seniors and younger people with preexisting conditions remain at higher risk of severe illness. Conflicting federal and state recommendations, recent FDA authorization limited to seniors and high-risk people, CDC advisory review on September 18, and insurer uncertainty combine to create confusion about eligibility, availability and coverage.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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