With Covid Surging in Arizona, When Will the Next Vaccine Arrive?
In his Day of Affirmation Address in Capetown, South Africa, in 1966, Robert F. Kennedy offered an anecdote:
"There is a Chinese curse which says, “May he live in interesting times.”
While the history of this curse is a little murky—since no one has been able to prove that this really is an ancient Chinese sentiment. However, the concept seems to apply to our times.
READ: The AWFUL Summer Covid Surge Has Returned to Arizona
Arizona and the World: Living in Interesting Times
The planet is still drafting off the strange energy of the global pandemic and shutdown. Now it's throwing in a pinch of Middle Eastern tumult, a dash of Eastern European disharmony, and a hint of domestic election dissonance. We're definitely living in interesting times.
No one would blame you if you missed the fact that COVID-19 is surging across Arizona right now. That is, of course, unless you've contracted the latest strain.
Even the vaccinated and boosted are falling ill since it's been some time since most people received a booster. With the latest strains floating around, many question whether the current boosters are even effective against the surge.
The COVID-19 Surge in Arizona and the KP.3.1.1 Variant
With the new variant KP.3.1.1 making the rounds across the state, here are some details.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is keeping close tabs on the KP.3.1.1 variant. This variant is closely related to the KP.3 variant, and both are descendants of JN.1.
READ: New CDC Guidelines for Covid Isolation Could Affect Arizona
From July 7 to July 20, KP.3.1.1 accounted for about 17% of the COVID cases in Arizona. The KP.3 variant is blamed for another 32.9% of infections. Combined, these two variants are responsible for half the cases in Arizona.
Why is the COVID Virus Suddenly Surging in Arizona?
Remember the July Fourth gatherings and traveling we did a few weeks back? Combine that with the crazy Arizona heat keeping us indoors, and you have the perfect conditions for the sudden COVID-19 spike.
READ: New Covid Variant in Arizona Showing Bizarre New Symptoms
Arizona reported a 78% increase in cases during the last week of June alone. The good news is that hospitalizations are not surging along with infections. Most people who get sick with the virus recover at home.
When Will a New COVID Booster Be Available in Arizona?
Even though KP.3.1.1 has just one change in the spike protein, the CDC believes the current vaccines should be effective against the recent variants. They recommend anyone 65 years or older and high-risk individuals get one of the currently available boosters.
When is the next vaccine booster expected to arrive? As of now, an exact date has yet to be announced. Scientists are trying to fine-tune booster shots to deal with the emerging variants.
Will you get the next COVID booster? Tell us your thoughts.
Sources: Yale Medicine | Grammar Party Blog | CDC | USA Today | Arizona Department of Health and Human Services(AZDHS) | Mayo Clinic
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