Covid Cases Rise: Should You Get Another Vaccine?

As summer brings a rise in Covid cases, many people might be thinking about their risks and whether it’s time for another vaccine. As of mid-July, Covid cases were increasing in 27 states, including Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Positive Covid test rates have also been climbing, particularly in the southern U.S., according to the CDC.

The current dominant variant in the U.S., N.B.1.8.1, is responsible for 43% of new cases. This variant is a derivative of XVD.1.5.1, which itself comes from the omicron strain. Earlier this year, N.B.1.8.1 contributed to a surge of hospitalizations in China.

It’s been informally labeled “razor blade throat” due to reports of particularly painful sore throats. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert, mentioned that sore throats have long been a common symptom associated with Covid.

Do I Need a Covid Booster? Availability of New Vaccines?

The recent upsurge in cases occurs as many Americans may not have had a Covid shot for over a year.

In May, the FDA encouraged vaccine manufacturers to revise their Covid vaccines to attack the LP.8.1 strain, another omicron offshoot that started spreading widely in 2023. This strain currently accounts for 31% of new cases, as stated by the CDC.

The new vaccines are expected to be available in the fall and will likely be approved only for adults 65 and older and kids and adults with certain medical conditions that heighten their risk of severe illness. Those who are healthy and want the shot might need to seek an older version or pay out of pocket; a single dose could run as high as $140.

Experts indicate that population immunity—whether from vaccination or previous infections—may provide some protection for many at this time.

According to Andy Pekosz, an infectious disease researcher, while there may not be a high level of immunity currently, a bit of low-level immunity could slow the virus’s spread.

Current hospitalization rates remain low, which suggests that this new variant might not lead to severe illness.

Cases are significantly lower than last year, when the test positivity rate peaked at 17.9% in August. This year, the positivity rate hasn’t even hit 5%.

Pekosz pointed out that summer often sees a rise in cases as people gather indoors to escape the heat, but he predicts if there’s a summer surge, it will be on the smaller side.

“The variants have been around for a while and haven’t caused major surges yet,” he said, voicing hope that any surge will be relatively low compared to past years.

Dr. Ofer Levy, who directs the precision vaccines program at Boston Children’s Hospital, suggests that those at high risk should consider getting a Covid shot if they can find one.

• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant women
• Those with underlying health conditions, like asthma or heart disease

Levy emphasizes that it’s particularly important for those who haven’t had a shot in over a year, as their immunity may have diminished.

He advises those in high-risk groups to schedule an appointment for a shot, especially if there’s an uptick in cases.

They can think about getting another shot with the updated vaccines when they become available in the fall.

Covid Patterns Throughout the Year

Schaffner noted that high-risk individuals might also want to wear masks in indoor spaces, like movie theaters.

On the other hand, healthy adults and kids can likely postpone their next shot, according to Levy.

“In lower-risk groups, things get a bit murky,” he said. “If you want a vaccine and your healthcare provider agrees, then getting it makes sense.”

Dr. Michael Phillips from NYU Langone sees mainly immunocompromised individuals and older adults testing positive for Covid. For those who have gone years without a shot, he thinks there’s no need for immediate concern.

“Younger, otherwise healthy individuals? I think they’re fine,” he said. “But if you’re older or have underlying conditions, that’s when a conversation with a doctor about the necessity for a booster becomes important.”

The number of positive tests at NYU Langone has decreased by 40% since February.

Fatima Amaeka from Johns Hopkins expects the current wave to peak around September.

Schaffner anticipates another surge in late fall and winter.

“Covid usually sees two spikes each year,” he remarked. “Everyone is familiar with the winter surge tied to flu and RSV.”