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Washington, D.C. – A significant disparity is emerging between ongoing COVID-19 risks adn public willingness to receive updated vaccinations, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the virus and its long-term health consequences. According to a recent study published in JAMA on August 1, 2024, COVID-19 continues to cause millions of infections, thousands of deaths, and contribute to new and worsening cases of Long COVID and other chronic illnesses.
Despite these continued health threats, recent polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals that a majority of American adults do not plan to get the updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The KFF poll, conducted between July 18-25, 2024, found that only 39% of adults reported thay had already received the updated vaccine or intended to do so. This represents a significant drop from the 76% who reported getting the original bivalent booster in 2022.
Adding to the challenge, new restrictions implemented by the Trump administration are complicating vaccine access. These changes, announced on June 19, 2024, involve ending the federal government’s program to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults. The program officially ended December 31, 2024, shifting the cost of vaccination to individuals or their insurance plans. This transition has created confusion among healthcare providers and the public regarding vaccine availability and affordability. The CDC estimates that over 25 million Americans are uninsured, potentially creating a barrier to vaccination for this vulnerable population. the Biden administration had previously extended the program, citing ongoing public health concerns.
Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms weeks or months after initial infection, remains a major concern. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that between 10% and 30% of individuals infected with COVID-19 develop Long COVID, with symptoms ranging from fatigue and brain fog to cardiovascular and neurological complications. The CDC currently recognizes over 20 distinct symptoms associated with Long COVID, and research is ongoing to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. The estimated economic burden of Long COVID in the United States is over $3.7 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost wages, according to a Brookings Institution study released in March 2024.
