“Covid is still the primary cause of new respiratory virus hospitalizations and death,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said at a briefing for reporters Friday.
The virus is responsible for about 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths every week, she said.”
Does the vaccine protect against the newest variants?
“There’s always a concern that something can pop up that is going to get around vaccine- or infection-induced immunity but I don’t think we’ve seen this yet,” Smith, of Kent State, said.
The updated vaccine, which targets the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant, boosts the antibody response to circulating variants, including HV.1 and JN.1, according to a study posted online Monday from researchers at Columbia University. The study has not been peer-reviewed.
It’s critical that those who are eligible for an updated Covid vaccine get the shot, Smith said, as the vaccines have been effective in holding up against the most severe consequences of Covid.“
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-variants-know-jn1-ba286-rcna127648
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