CDC Data Shows New COVID Variant Now Dominant

October 27, 2023 Coronavirus, Medicine

A new Covid variant has become dominant in the U.S., but relatively few people have thus far gotten the new shots that could offer some protection against it. The variant, called HV.1, replaced EG.5 as the country’s most prevalent this week, according to data released Friday by the CDC.

Just around 3.5 % of the U.S. population — approximately 12 million people — have received the new Covid shots since they became available in mid-September, a CDC spokesperson said. He cautioned that the number is a rough estimate because states are no longer required to report vaccination numbers.

In the current rollout, public and private insurers are responsible for the cost of the shot, and health care and pharmacy networks place their own orders. That has given rise to new challenges, including insurance issues, shipment delays and appointment cancelations.

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A Covid variant called HV.1 became the dominant variant in the U.S. this week. Experts think the new shots will offer some protection against it. https://t.co/le4g5Eav9Z

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2023