Comment More than two years into the coronavirus pandemic, Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said he understands people are exhausted, but he’s urging those uninformed about vaccines to get the shots — she at a time, as the latest omicron subvariant, BA.5, has become the dominant strain in the United States. Fauci told Los Angeles radio station KNX News earlier this week that while unvaccinated people and those with underlying conditions are at the highest risk of complications from Covid-19, others are not exempt. “If they’re not vaccinated or strengthened, they’re going to be in trouble,” he said. Biden Officials Urge Use of Booster Vaccines, Antivirals Against BA.5 BA.5, which has been called “the worst version of the virus,” accounts for more than 85 percent of covid-19 cases, with more than 41 percent of US counties experiencing a high level of community covid-19, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some health experts have expressed concern that not enough people are being vaccinated, particularly as the nation has moved away from restrictions and mandates, such as coverage, to help control the spread of the disease. In fact, the majority of the US population is not up to date on vaccines – defined by the CDC as having completed the initial series and all booster doses recommended for that person. CDC data shows that 67 percent of the US population is fully vaccinated, but only 48 percent have received the first booster shot. Only 32 percent of people aged 50 and over – who are eligible for a second booster – have received this extra dose. Fauci said it was important to get as many people as possible vaccinated and fortified so the virus doesn’t have “plenty of opportunities to circulate freely.” When the virus is given that chance, he said, it can continue to mutate. “It’s about you as an individual, but it’s also about the shared responsibility to get this epidemic under control,” he told the radio station. As the BA.5 variant spreads, the risk of reinfection by the coronavirus increases That said, it is not uncommon for people who have been vaccinated to become infected. President Biden, who is vaccinated and double-boosted, recently tested positive for the virus — and subsequently developed a rebound infection — although he had “very mild symptoms.” Health experts, including Fauci, have repeatedly said so he pointed out that research shows that vaccines still protect against serious complications, including hospitalization and death. As of July 27, more than 126,000 new cases were being reported daily, with 6,340 hospitalizations and 364 deaths, according to CDC data. “Right now we have boosters that are very effective at reducing any aspect of infection,” Fauci told KNX News. “A virus like BA.5, which is the most common virus circulating, is so contagious that it often breaks down vaccine protection. But vaccines and boosters still do a very good job of preventing you from progressing to serious disease.” Additionally, a booster designed to target the micron variant is likely to be released in the fall to broaden immunity. “You don’t want Covid to dominate people’s lives in this country or around the world, but you don’t want, by wishing it behind us and in the rear-view mirror, not doing things that would be prudent.” Fauci said.
