Press Release: CVEEP Statement on Rising Rates of Respiratory Illnesses
COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project Statement on Rising Rates of Respiratory Illnesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 16, 2024) — The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project today released the following statement amid increasing rates of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19:
“In the face of an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses this winter, including a 14.3 percent increase in deaths from COVID-19 and elevated levels of flu and RSV, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project urges greater awareness and underscores the vital role vaccination plays in helping to protect people of all ages against these vaccine preventable viruses. Additionally, we stress the crucial importance of widespread testing and timely access to treatment options to help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent hospitalization. With the peak of winter respiratory virus season upon us, the ‘tripledemic’ is a multi-front challenge, emphasizing the need to take prevention seriously. Vaccination, testing, and treatment can help protect our communities and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient tomorrow.”
The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project website includes resources on COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and coverage. A range of experts are also available to assist with your ongoing reporting.
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About the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project
As more than 250 leading organizations representing patients, caregivers and families, diverse communities, healthcare workers, older Americans, veterans, frontline workers and scientists, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project launched in December 2020 to provide information about the clinical trials process, regulatory review, distribution of and access to potential COVID-19 vaccines in a way that promotes equity and trust. Support for the project has been provided by Pfizer, Inc., Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Novavax, and Novartis. Learn more at covidvaccineproject.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok at @COVIDVxProject.
