Harris County Public Health is reminding people to stay up to date with their COVID vaccines as COVID hospitalizations are increasing week over week, recent data shows.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID hospitalizations were up in Harris County by 14.6% as of the end of July compared to the previous week’s admissions. That growth in hospitalizations is more than state and national rates, which are up 11% and 12.5%, respectively.
The current subvariant, EG.5 Omicron, makes up the largest portion of new COVID infections across the country.
"Although the national emergency response to COVID-19 has officially ended, the SARS-CoV-2 virus still remains a threat to our community, and new variants can emerge at any time," said HCPH Local Health Authority Ericka Brown. "We recommend that all people and their loved ones stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Our health department provides the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine series and boosters for free to all eligible age groups. People can register online or call to schedule an appointment."
Symptoms with the new subvariant are like most COVID symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease, are at a higher risk of getting severe symptoms.
HCPH encourages people to get updated on their COVID booster shots.
