CDC raises concerns over declining vaccination rates amidst increasing respiratory virus activity

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a critical need to increase vaccination coverage due to rising levels of respiratory disease. The agency emphasized that the combination of low vaccination rates and the ongoing increase in respiratory disease activity caused by various pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), and RSV, could result in more severe illness and put a strain on healthcare capacity in the near future. Additionally, there has been a recent uptick in cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) following SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States.

Allissa Sanchez, LVN, gives her patient a vaccine during a flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Kaiser Permanente Pasadena on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Pasadena, CA.

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Approximately 7 million fewer adults have received their flu shot this season compared to the last flu season. According to CDC data up to November 18, the overall vaccination rate is around 36% for both adults and children. The vaccination coverage for Covid-19 is also low, with only 17% of adults and about 8% of children receiving the latest shot according to CDC data through December 2. This includes approximately 36% of seniors, who are at higher risk for severe disease.

Only 16% of adults aged 60 and above have received the new RSV vaccine. Low vaccination rates are due to a lack of provider recommendation, concerns about side effects, and forgetting to get vaccinated. These findings were shared in the CDC advisory based on a nationally representative survey of US adults.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC Director, expressed concern about the low vaccination rates this season during a briefing with the American Medical Association on Tuesday. She emphasized the significant influence of physicians in encouraging people to get vaccinated. The CDC advises that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the flu and Covid-19 vaccines, and a new RSV vaccine is now accessible for adults aged 60 and above.

A pharmacy in New York City offers vaccines for COVID-19, flu, shingles and pneumonia on December 6, 2021.

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Immunization reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and death due to respiratory disease, particularly for individuals with a higher risk of severe illness such as infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with certain medical conditions. According to Cohen, about 70 to 80% of American adults over 18 have at least one condition that increases their risk of negative outcomes. Vaccination not only lowers the risk of hospitalization and death across all age groups, including 18 to 64, but also reduces the risk of long-term effects of Covid-19.

Approximately 1 in 7 adults who have contracted Covid-19 experience long-lasting symptoms such as persistent fatigue or cough, even after a mild illness, according to a recent report. While children are less likely to experience severe effects, data from the CDC indicates an increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for respiratory diseases across all age groups.

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Over the last four weeks, hospitalizations have surged by 200% for flu, 51% for Covid-19, and 60% for RSV, as reported by the advisory. There have been 12 documented pediatric influenza fatalities and 30 cases of MIS-C, a rare complication that typically occurs a month after a Covid-19 infection. Respiratory disease activity is at its peak in the South but is rapidly increasing in Northern states across the US.

The CDC advises individuals to consult their healthcare providers regarding the vaccines recommended for themselves and their families. Information on locations providing seasonal vaccines can be found on Vaccines.gov, and uninsured adults can access Covid-19 vaccines at no cost through the CDC's Bridge Access Program.

In addition, everyday prevention measures, including covering coughs and sneezes, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when feeling unwell, can also aid in reducing the spread of illness.

Cohen explained that the various protective measures such as vaccines, testing, treatment, hand washing, ventilation, and masks are crucial layers of defense that ensure our ability to withstand this period.