Health Department

COVID-19 Is Still With Us

Vaccines and effective post-infection treatments have made COVID-19 more manageable

September 6, 2023

CINCINNATI, OH – Fall is fast approaching and, with it, the increased risk for respiratory infections, including BA.2.86, the latest variant of COVID-19. Updated vaccines are expected to be available as early as mid-September at pharmacies or doctors’ offices.

“The latest COVID-19 variant (BA.2.86) is a reminder that while the COVID-19 emergency was lifted in May, it does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer affecting us,” said Grant Mussman, M.D., MHSA, Cincinnati Health Department Commissioner.

“There is definitely good news in that vaccines and effective post-infection treatments have made COVID-19 more manageable, and we see that hospitalizations are down, and though trending up again with this new variant, we do not seem to be in danger of overwhelming our hospitals. To put it in context though, COVID-19 is still killing people at about the same death rate as a pretty bad flu year. Factors like age over 65 or underlying medical conditions can place you at higher risk – if you are not sure, talk to your doctor,” he added.

“There is a new vaccine update due out this fall that you should consider especially if you are high risk or around someone who is high risk, and if you aren’t sure, talk to your doctor.  A surgical mask or N95 offers some protection as well if you are high risk or around someone who is high risk. Finally, COVID-19 symptoms may be mild if you had it before or were vaccinated but you could still spread it, so be cautious if you are likely to be around someone who is high risk. When in doubt, the best course of action is to be tested,” he said.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers BA.2.86 a notable variant “… because it has multiple genetic differences from previous versions of SARS-CoV-2.”

However, “Based on what CDC knows now, existing tests used to detect, and medications used to treat COVID-19 appear to be effective with this variant. BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had COVID-19 or who have received COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists are evaluating the effectiveness of the forthcoming, updated COVID-19 vaccine. CDC’s current assessment is that this updated vaccine will be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalization. At this point, there is no evidence that this variant is causing more severe illness.”

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to make its recommendation regarding COVID-19 booster vaccines. The consensus is that the new monovalent booster will benefit people who are already up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines more than getting the currently available bi-valent booster again.

The Cincinnati Health Department (CHD) reminds people that if they have COVID-19, they can spread the virus to others. Therefore, there are precautions they can take to prevent spreading it to others: isolation, masking, and avoiding contact with people who are at high risk of getting very sick. Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from those without COVID-19. People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should start taking precautions to reduce potential spread.

People are encouraged to check with their physician regarding their individual situation regarding timing and type of vaccine they should receive.

CHD will offer vaccines at all its health clinics, including for people who are uninsured. However, vaccines are no longer covered by the Federal Government, and uninsured patients will be responsible for copay and/or administration fee. Like for other medical services, CHD’s clinics use sliding scale fees for the insured. 

For more information about COVID-19, available vaccines and treatments, visit the CHD website, the Ohio Department of Health website or the CDC website.

For questions about COVID-19, people are encouraged to call the CHD COVID Command Center 513-357-7462.