Summer COVID Surge Incoming? Trump's Vaccine Shift Sparks Alarm

A New COVID Subvariant Emerges as Vaccine Access Faces Uncertainty

A new COVID-19 subvariant is rapidly spreading, raising concerns about a potential summer wave, particularly in California. Simultaneously, recent policy shifts are threatening to make COVID-19 vaccines less accessible and potentially more expensive for many Americans.

The Rising Tide of NB.1.8.1

The subvariant, named NB.1.8.1, was first identified in January and has since been detected in California, including Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as a "Variant Under Monitoring." Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 is highly transmissible.

• The Omicron subvariant represented 10.7% of genetically analyzed viral samples worldwide for the week ending April 27, according to WHO data.
• This marks a sharp increase from the week ending April 6, when it accounted for only 2.5% of samples.

“While still low numbers, this is a significant rise,” the WHO stated, noting a “concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread.” Although NB.1.8.1 isn’t yet widely tracked in the U.S. by the CDC, experts suggest it is more transmissible, though not necessarily more severe.

Policy Shifts Spark Debate on Vaccine Recommendations

Adding to the concern, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced the rescinding of the federal government's recommendation for pregnant women and healthy children to get immunized against COVID-19, effective immediately. This decision is coupled with statements from Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, indicating that the agency will no longer routinely approve annually formulated COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy people under age 65.

The Potential Impact on Access and Affordability

These policy shifts could have significant implications for vaccine access and affordability. Experts warn that these changes could prompt private insurance companies and government insurers to stop covering COVID-19 shots for substantial segments of the population, including children. Without federal recommendations, Americans could face paying the full cost of the vaccine out-of-pocket, which could be as high as $198.99 at pharmacies like CVS.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, emphasized the vulnerability of certain populations:

“Pregnant women, infants and young children are at higher risk of hospitalization from COVID, and the safety of the COVID vaccine has been widely demonstrated,” O’Leary stated.

Expert Concerns and Calls for Reconsideration

The CDC maintains that updated vaccines provide additional protection against COVID-related emergency room and urgent care visits for both children and adults. The L.A. County Department of Public Health urged Kennedy to consult with experts, including the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, before decreasing access to any vaccine.

Where Do We Go From Here?

This situation presents a complex challenge, balancing individual choice with public health concerns. As the NB.1.8.1 subvariant spreads and policy changes raise questions about vaccine accessibility, it's crucial to stay informed and rely on guidance from trusted medical professionals and organizations like the CDC and WHO. The coming weeks will be critical in understanding the full impact of these developments and determining the best course of action for protecting ourselves and our communities.

Tags: COVID subvariant, California, summer wave, vaccine access, vaccine cost, Robert Kennedy Jr, immunization, Dr. Marty Makary, FDA, COVID-19 vaccine, NB.1.8.1, Omicron, CDC, WHO

Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-30/a-new-covid-subvariant-spreads-rapidly-as-trump-pivots-away-from-vaccines