By Ethan Covey
Hospitalization rates for older adults infected with COVID-19 increased during the period of omicron BA.2 predominance—even among those who were vaccinated—according to data from the COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network.
The findings, investigators said, underscore the need for continued vaccinations and other mitigation measures (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71[34]:1085-1091).
The omicron BA.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 became predominant in the United States during the week of March 20-26 and lasted until May 31. During this time, weekly hospitalization rates (hospitalizations per 100,000 population) among adults who are 65 years of age and older increased threefold: from 6.9 during the week ending April 2 to a peak of 27.6 during the week ending May 28. In the same period, hospitalization rates increased 1.7 times among adults aged 18 to 49 and 50 to 64 years.
Among nonpregnant adults hospitalized with COVID-19 during the period of BA.2 predominance, 61.5% were at least 65 years of age.
In addition, nearly half of adults hospitalized during the BA.2 predominant period had received a primary vaccination series and at least one booster or additional dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
“This new study shows that hospitalization rates in older adults increased much more than hospitalization rates in younger adults,” said Fiona Havers, MD, a medical officer with the CDC’s Respiratory Virus Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, who also served as first author of the report. “This gives further support for adults ages 65 and older to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination to protect against severe illness and hospitalization.”
Dr. Havers added that among those older adults who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, other measures are also important to prevent hospitalizations. These include early access to antiviral medications (if eligible), improving ventilation, getting tested and continued mask wearing.
