Consider This from NPR

Booster Shots Coming Soon As Delta Overwhelms Some Hospitals

Aug 17, 2021

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR's dedicated COVID-19 reporter, dives into the overwhelming strains on hospitals due to the ongoing Delta surge. She discusses the urgent push for booster shots, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, as millions await their first vaccine. The conversation highlights the varied responses from states like Texas and Florida to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of combined public health strategies. Simmons-Duffin also touches on the critical role of community awareness in navigating these challenges.

10:52

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Selena Simmons-Dufffin

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Critical Hospital Strains Amid COVID-19 Surge

2min

Understanding Booster Shots for Immunocompromised Individuals

2min

State Responses to the Delta Surge: A Focus on Texas and Florida

2min

Mapping COVID-19 Restrictions and Their Impact

4min

Hospitals like the University of Mississippi Medical Center are overwhelmed. Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor of the Jackson hospital, told NPR they are nearly out of beds — and treating patients in hallways.

Meanwhile, Biden administration health officials are coalescing around a plan that would advise most Americans to get a COVID-19 booster shot eight months after their last dose. A booster is already recommended for immunocompromised people. Here are six things to know if you're immunocompromised and are considering a third shot.

If a booster is recommended for most Americans, that means millions of people may soon receive a third shot, while many others have yet to receive a single one. But there are still additional public health measures that could work to help stem the delta surge. NPR's Selena Simmons-Duffin reports.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

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