Where COVID-19 hospitalizations stand

According to CDC's data, there were 19,079 new COVID-19 hospitalizations for the week ending in Sept. 23, a 3.1%  decrease from the previous week. ED visits for COVID-19 also saw a decrease for the week ending in Sept. 23, dropping 11.7% compared to the previous week.

However, CDC data shows that for the week ending in Sept. 23, 2.7% of all deaths in the United States were due to COVID-19, marking an 8% increase over the previous week.

Overall, 12 states saw substantial increase in hospitalizations while another eight states saw a moderate increase during the week ending in Sept. 23.

More Americans plan on getting a flu vaccine than COVID-19

Meanwhile, a recent survey from NFID found that just 40% of Americans are planning on getting the new COVID-19 vaccine, and 43% of Americans said they're either unsure or not planning on getting vaccinated against the flu. In addition, just 40% of adults ages 60 and older said they intend on getting vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Patricia Stinchfield, president of NFID, said the data from the survey is "concerning."

"These diseases can be serious, even in healthy children and adults, but the good news is that we now have prevention tools available to help protect people against severe illness and complications," Stinchfield said. "We just need to use them."

When asked why they would not get vaccinated, survey respondents noted concerns about side effects, mistrust of vaccines, and the belief the vaccines don't work well.

"As healthcare professionals, we need to address these unfounded concerns and create realistic expectations about what vaccines can and cannot do," Stinchfield said. "Even in cases when vaccination does not prevent infection entirely, getting vaccinated can help protect against serious complications, including hospitalization and death."

At a press conference, CDC Director Mandy Cohen urged Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.

"For the first time, we have immunizations available to help protect against the three major respiratory viruses — COVID-19, flu, and RSV," Cohen said. "I strongly encourage you and your family to get the immunizations that are right for you. We must use all available tools to protect those most at risk, including infants and young children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions." (CDC COVID-19 data tracker, accessed 9/29; National Foundation for Infectious Diseases press release, 9/28)

Going into the fall, the United States may see a new surge of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. To protect against illness, federal health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated once new shots against these three viruses are available.