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2h ago

Stratus Variant Fuels Late-Summer COVID Uptick in California as Vaccine Rollout Stalls

Federal policy changes have stalled updated shots, creating confusion over eligibility.

Passengers go through a security checkpoint at San Francisco International Airport in 2022. With the new Stratus coronavirus variant spreading in California, health experts advise taking precautions like masking in crowded indoor areas to avoid contracting COVID-19.
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Overview

  • Wastewater indicators are climbing and test positivity has reached 11.6% from 3.76% a month earlier, with emergency departments seeing a higher share of visits from children.
  • Statewide hospital admissions have nearly doubled since early July to 3 per 100,000 people, including an increase from 6.3 to 11 per 100,000 among those 65 and older.
  • The XFG or “Stratus” subvariant now accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. wastewater samples, according to the CDC, and the WHO assesses overall risk as low.
  • HHS under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has delayed authorization of updated COVID-19 vaccines and dismissed the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, and the FDA has signaled new shots may be limited to high‑risk groups.
  • Access is uneven as many pharmacies report depleted stock or halted offerings, Los Angeles County expects later‑than‑usual September availability, and some adults could face out‑of‑pocket costs if insurers follow federal limits.