White House: Public will need annual COVID boosters

White House health leaders stated this week the public likely will need annual COVID-19 booster shots, similar to an annual flu shot. Health officials made the announcement as part of its fall campaign to encourage Americans to get the boosters, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved last week. Demand for vaccines has decreased with each booster campaign. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said boosters could prevent as many as 100,000 hospitalizations and 9,000 deaths per year. In fact, a study released this week found the greatest risk factor of dying in a hospital from COVID was being 65 years of age or older, with unvaccinated individuals significantly more likely to die. (The Hill article, 9/6/22)