The COVID-19 Delta variant is taking hold and Indiana Department of Health officials still strongly recommend that Hoosiers get vaccinated and take steps necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said cases are going up as well as hospitalizations to the point where some non-emergent surgeries are once again postponed as there is not enough room in hospitals due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
“The majority of the hospitalizations continue to occur among our older Hoosiers,” stated Dr. Box. “This is the age group in which we have seen the biggest increase, but we’ve also seen an increase in children being hospitalized. Many of these children are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. To anyone who argues that COVID-19 does not impact children, I can assure you that every parent with a hospitalized child would disagree.”
Dr. Box commented that this surge is fueled by the Delta variant and referred to this time as the darkest time in the pandemic.
“I want Hoosiers to understand that the decisions that they are making affect others. It’s incredibly disappointing to have effective tools such as the COVID-19 vaccine and still have nearly half of our eligible population refuse to get it,” stated Dr. Box.
However, since the Pfizer vaccine recently received FDA approval for individuals 16 and older, Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said an increase of vaccination appointments have been made throughout the state.
Beyond that, Dr. Weaver said they have received more information concerning a third dose of the vaccine for immunocompromised residents. She stated that the third Moderna or Pfizer dose will help build protection against COVID-19, 28 days after being fully vaccinated. If an individual got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Dr. Weaver said a third dose should not be sought for those considered to be immunocompromised.
Dr. Weaver commented, “This includes people who are undergoing treatment for cancer, recipients of solid organ or stem cell transplants, individuals who have advanced or untreated HIV infection, and people who are taking certain medication that suppress their immune system.”
A booster shot for the general public could come as early as this fall, as the federal government is coming up with a plan.
“Implementation of the plan is subject to the FDA’s authorization and CDC’s recomm “Implementation of the plan is subject to the FDA’s authorization and CDC’s recommendation. At this time, we expect those doses to be the same formulation of the current vaccines. Studies are currently occurring with other variations of the vaccine that incorporate the Delta variant, but the new formulas have not been authorized. Studies out of Israel are very promising with regard to booster shots showing a significant increase in protection, even against the Delta variant. We will have more information on how booster doses roll out once they have received approval and formal guidance as been issued,” said Dr. Weaver.
In the meantime, health officials urge Hoosiers to get the vaccine, wear a mask while in public spaces, maintain a social distance, and wash hands frequently.
