Jordan Ellis
While COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, there have been reported cases of vaccinated individuals requiring hospital care. This has raised questions about the vaccine's effectiveness and the reasons behind these hospitalizations. It's important to understand that no vaccine is 100% perfect, and various factors influence the number of vaccinated individuals in hospitals. These factors include vaccine efficacy, population size, age, and underlying health conditions. As the number of vaccinated individuals increases, the ratio of vaccinated to unvaccinated hospitalizations may change, but the overall rate of serious illnesses decreases. Additionally, older adults and individuals with comorbidities may experience breakthrough infections and require hospitalization. However, they tend to have shorter hospital stays and are less likely to suffer severe COVID-19-related complications compared to unvaccinated individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cases in the US | More than 1,270 |
| Number of cases in Texas | More than 750 |
| Number of hospitalizations | 155 |
| Number of deaths | 3 |
| Percentage of cases in unvaccinated people | 92-95% |
| Percentage of cases in children and teens | More than 60% |
| Percentage of population with immunity | Low |
| Percentage of new cases caused by NB.1.8.1 | 43% |
| Percentage of new cases caused by LP.8.1 | 31% |
| Availability of new shots | Fall |
| Eligible groups for new shots | Adults 65 and up, kids and adults with at least one medical condition |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 cases rising in the US
COVID-19 cases are rising in the US, with data showing cases are currently on the rise in more than half of the states. As of July 22, COVID-19 infections are either growing or likely growing in 26 states, with the West and South seeing some of the biggest increases in transmission. Experts attribute this surge to a mix of behavioural changes, viral adaptations, and the emergence of new variants.
The latest variants, including NB.1.8.1, are getting better at spreading among people, contributing to the bump in cases. Nicknamed "razor blade throat", NB.1.8.1 is an offshoot of XVD.1.5.1, which is a descendant of the Omicron variant. It is now the dominant variant in the US, accounting for 43% of cases as of June 21, according to CDC data. Another variant, XFG, also known as "Stratus", is spreading rapidly worldwide and causing an increasing proportion of cases in the US.
The rise in cases comes as many Americans have likely gone a year or longer without COVID-19 vaccine shots. Experts recommend annual vaccinations to maintain good protection against severe disease, especially for those with weaker immune systems, including the elderly. However, the current version of the vaccine targets an older Omicron variant, but it remains effective in protecting against severe disease due to the close relation between the viruses.
While hospitalizations are lower compared to earlier pandemic peaks, precautions like vaccination, masking, and ventilation are advised, especially for high-risk individuals, to mitigate the spread and potential long-term effects. Updated boosters are recommended, especially for older individuals, immunocompromised people, or those whose last dose was more than six months ago. Masks are also advised in high-risk settings, such as transit, airports, and crowded or poorly ventilated indoor events.
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Low vaccination rates in the US
During the 2024-25 school year, vaccination rates among American children entering kindergarten dropped, continuing a worrying trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decrease in vaccine coverage has had significant repercussions, with the US experiencing a growing measles outbreak. As of July 2025, the US has reported the highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.
Several factors have contributed to the decline in vaccination rates. One notable influence has been vaccine hesitancy and skepticism, fueled in part by messaging from public figures and officials that sows distrust in vaccines. For example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has repeatedly questioned the safety of vaccines, including those for measles, hepatitis B, and polio, despite a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. This has led to increased scrutiny of immunization schedules and restricted access to vaccines for certain groups.
The consequences of low vaccination rates extend beyond individual health risks. Communities with lower vaccination rates face higher costs associated with the virus, including increased hospitalizations and deaths. Additionally, families living in these areas may suffer financially and emotionally. Adults who contract the virus may face lost wages due to missed work, and there is also the risk of developing long COVID, resulting in further time away from work and potential long-term health issues.
To address these challenges, public health officials and medical professionals emphasize the importance of individual conversations with those who are vaccine-hesitant. By building trust and sharing personal experiences, healthcare providers can help drive up vaccination rates and protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
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The importance of yearly vaccinations
Yearly vaccinations are an essential tool in maintaining good health and protecting oneself against severe diseases. While the focus of this answer is on yearly vaccinations, it is worth noting that in the case of certain vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, it is recommended to get vaccinated twice a year to ensure adequate protection.
Similarly, the United States has witnessed a concerning surge in measles cases, reaching a 33-year high with over 1,200 confirmed cases across 38 states. This outbreak is directly linked to a decline in vaccination rates, with 92-95% of measles cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals, primarily children and teens. The impact of this outbreak is evident in the rise in hospitalizations and deaths, with three fatalities recorded in 2025, all of whom were unvaccinated.
Yearly vaccinations are crucial in maintaining herd immunity and protecting vulnerable members of the community who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or age. By getting vaccinated, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to the overall health and safety of society. Furthermore, yearly vaccinations are essential in adapting to evolving viruses and variants. As viruses mutate, the protection offered by previous vaccinations may wane, leaving individuals susceptible to new strains. Therefore, receiving updated vaccinations annually helps to ensure that the body is equipped with the necessary antibodies to fight off emerging variants.
In conclusion, yearly vaccinations are of paramount importance in safeguarding public health and mitigating the impact of infectious diseases. They provide individuals with protection against severe illnesses, reduce the likelihood of hospitalizations and deaths, and contribute to herd immunity. By staying vigilant and committed to annual vaccinations, we can effectively protect ourselves and our communities from the devastating consequences of preventable diseases.
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The effectiveness of vaccines in preventing severe disease
Vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. While it is still possible to become infected even after vaccination, the available data shows that vaccinated individuals are less likely to experience severe symptoms and long COVID.
For instance, in the context of COVID-19, the vaccines have been updated annually since 2022 and are expected to be effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalisation, and death. Research has shown that vaccinated individuals who get infected are less likely to experience long COVID compared to unvaccinated individuals. Furthermore, the CDC has reported that the 2024-2025 vaccines are expected to work well against new strains and variants.
Similarly, measles vaccinations have been highly effective in the US, with a 95% case rate among unvaccinated individuals, primarily children and teens. Since the introduction of widespread measles vaccinations in 1971, measles cases had nearly vanished by 2000. However, with a decline in vaccination rates, measles cases have surged to their highest level since 1992.
Vaccines for other diseases, such as shingles, have also proven effective in preventing severe disease. Research has shown that patients who receive the shingles vaccine have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular disease events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Additionally, studies suggest that the shingles vaccine may also have a preventive effect on dementia.
Overall, vaccines are a critical tool in preventing severe disease and reducing hospitalisations and deaths. While breakthrough infections can occur, vaccinated individuals are generally protected from the most severe outcomes of a disease.
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The impact of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation
Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have led to a decline in vaccination coverage, causing vaccination rates to fall below the 95% threshold required for population-wide protection against measles. This has resulted in a rise in measles cases, with 92-95% of infections occurring in unvaccinated individuals, primarily children and teens. The impact of this hesitancy is evident in the tragic deaths of three unvaccinated individuals, including two healthy children.
The anti-vaccine movement has gained momentum, with a growing number of parents opting out of mandated vaccines for their children due to moral or religious exemptions. This has resulted in unprotected children attending school, increasing the risk of measles transmission to those who are medically vulnerable and cannot be vaccinated. The consequences of vaccine hesitancy extend beyond individual choice, impacting the wider community and overwhelming healthcare systems.
The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, such as the now-debunked link between vaccines and autism, has contributed to vaccine skepticism. This misinformation has influenced public opinion, leading some to trust their peers' anti-vaccine views over medical professionals' advice. As a result, public health organizations like the CDC and HHS are faced with the challenge of promoting vaccination while respecting individual freedom of choice.
To combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, public health officials and medical experts emphasize the importance of education and awareness. By providing clear guidance, addressing concerns, and offering tailored solutions, they aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and protect themselves and their communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Frequently asked questions
No vaccine is 100% perfect, and while COVID-19 vaccines reduce your chances of serious illness by around 80%, you can still get sick and may need hospital care. As the vaccinated population increases, the ratio of vaccinated to unvaccinated people in the hospital will become closer, but the rate of seriously ill people in the whole population will decrease.
Vaccinated people are less likely to be hospitalized than unvaccinated people. Vaccines dramatically lower your risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. However, some hospitalizations and deaths have been reported among fully vaccinated people with breakthrough COVID-19 infections.
There are several possible reasons why certain vaccinated people end up in the hospital with COVID-19. Older adults and people with certain comorbidities or weakened immune systems may be more likely to be hospitalized. Additionally, vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date with the recommended vaccination schedule.
During one four-month period, 15% of hospital admissions for COVID-19 involved people who were fully vaccinated. In another analysis of data from June to September, more than two-thirds (69%) of breakthrough COVID-19 hospitalizations occurred in people ages 65 and older, who are more likely than younger age groups to have gotten vaccinated.
