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Epidemics

Boosters Stalled Despite Expanded Eligibility

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge with a near-vertical rise in cases, the Biden administration has pushed for increased vaccine uptake, including booster shots for those who have completed their initial doses. However, despite expanded eligibility and endorsement from federal health officials, progress in persuading Americans to get booster shots has stalled. Only about 35% of Americans have received a booster since mid-August, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendation that people get three doses of a vaccine to remain up-to-date. The administration's efforts to encourage booster shots come as the Omicron variant, which is highly transmissible and better at evading vaccines, has shown significant growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC has endorsed booster shots for youths 12-17 who initially got the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, expanding eligibility to those who had previously completed their initial doses.
  • The government has redefined "up to date" Covid vaccination to include boosters, emphasizing the importance of additional shots for protection against severe disease.
  • About 62% of Americans (206 million people) are fully vaccinated, but only about 35% of Americans have received a booster since mid-August, according to a CDC database.
  • The FDA has authorized boosters for everyone 18 and older who had received two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and for 16- and 17-year-olds.
  • The pace of all vaccinations increased after the discovery of the Omicron variant, but plateaued in early December.
  • Scientists say booster shots can offer substantial protection, especially against severe disease, and that getting three doses of Pfizer's or Moderna's vaccines is recommended for remaining up-to-date.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that recipients of Johnson & Johnson's one-dose vaccine receive a second dose, preferably of Moderna's or Pfizer's.
  • Pandemic fatigue is a significant factor contributing to the resistance to boosters, with some people simply not wanting the pandemic to exist.

Statistics:

  • 62% of Americans (206 million people) are fully vaccinated (federal data)
  • Only about 35% of Americans have received a booster since mid-August (CDC database)
  • 585,000 cases per day, a record and a 247% increase from two weeks ago
  • Hospitalizations are up 53% in the past two weeks
  • 3% decrease in deaths
  • 247% increase in cases from two weeks ago
  • 53% increase in hospitalizations
  • Smaller percentage of patients landing in intensive care units or requiring mechanical ventilation compared to previous waves

Sources:

  • [1] The New York Times (December 2021)
  • [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • [3] Federal Data (COVID-19 vaccination rates)
  • [4] C.D.C. database (booster shot uptake)

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