CDC issues advisory on low COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccination rates

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm regarding low vaccination rates for COVID-19 and flu for all adults, as well as low RSV vaccination rates for adults 60 and older. According to the December 14 announcement, study data show anti-virals are also being underutilized in combatting the three respiratory viruses.

Rates of respiratory diseases have spiked across the country in recent weeks, with flu hospitalizations up 200%, COVID-19 hospitalizations up 51%, and RSV hospitalizations up 60%. All three viruses can cause severe disease in vulnerable populations such as infants, older adults, and people who are pregnant or have underlying conditions, the advisory notes. The agency also received 30 reports of MIS-C, a rare complication that typically occurs 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 infection, from September 1 through December 10, 2023.

In light of this data, CDC recommends that providers leverage all available tools to increase vaccination rates.