COVID hospitalizations among older Americans causing concern: ‘Worry about your granny’

A rapid surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations is causing considerable concern among elderly Americans.

COVID-related hospitalizations in the United States are up 30% over the last two weeks, with older patients accounting for many of those cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

The crisis coincides with fewer than 50% of Americans living in nursing homes being caught up on their coronavirus vaccines, while fewer than 25% of staffers are up to date, according to the CDC’s latest data released in late November.

“If you’re 21, you probably should worry about your granny. We’re all in this together,” said Bartley O’Hara, 81, who lives at a Washington, D.C., nursing home.

The latest COVID booster is widely available, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week authorizing children as young as 6 months old to receive the shot specifically targeting the virus’ prominent omicron strain.

However, O’Hara remains concerned the “sense of urgency is not universal,” as younger Americans don’t face the same hospitalization rates as older ones.

A nursing home in Austin, meanwhile, recently told at least one patient that it couldn’t find someone to administer a COVID booster, her daughter claims.

“I’m concerned about the uptick in hospitalizations and deaths among seniors, and concerned about the lack of urgency at my mother’s nursing home in getting the residents and staff vaccinated,” Cissy Sanders said.

Hospitalizations for COVID and the flu are both up in New York City, prompting health officials to stress the importance of wearing masks and getting ested before gathering for Christmas and New Year’s.

“The holiday season is about togetherness and there is a way to gather safely — even as respiratory viruses in our city are unusually high. We want everyone to have a happy — and most of all — healthy holiday,” city Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said Saturday.

“It starts with protecting yourself,” Vasan said. “Vaccinations and boosters are critical but so are common sense precautions like masking when indoors or among crowds and staying home if you don’t feel well.”

New York officials say people can safely get their shots for COVID and the flu at the same time, and warn that people ages 65 and up or with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk.

This month’s rise in hospitalizations comes as New York continues to return to normalcy nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Last Thursday, the MTA recorded 3.9 million subway riders in what was the largest number since the start of the pandemic.

“This ridership record is proof that our recovery is on track,” said Gov. Hochul. “Whether it’s tourists coming back to New York or local residents going out to enjoy holiday attractions, the energy and vitality of this city, above and below ground, is back.”

With News Wire Services