Omicron-Adapted Boosters Cut COVID Hospitalizations (SNF/AL)

A recent study highlights the success and importance of the omicron-adapted COVID boosters in protecting individuals from serious illness and death. The study was completed this past fall, from September through December of 2022, by researchers from Israeli healthcare provider Clalit, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Sapir College. It found an 81% reduction in hospitalizations among people aged 65 and older who had received the booster against those who had previously received at least two COVID vaccinations, but not the Omicron-adapted booster. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) data shows that the XBB.1.5 COVID variant spreading swiftly. It is anticipated the XBB1.5 variant will become the predominant variant in the U.S. within weeks. Omicron-adopted boosters have demonstrated effectiveness against this new variant, lending credibility to recommendations for individuals to seek both primary vaccination along with a booster.