President Joe Biden has announced his intention to request increased funding from Congress to support the development of a new coronavirus vaccine. As concerns grow over fresh waves of infections and rising hospitalizations, President Biden aims to secure additional resources to combat the evolving challenges posed by the virus.
Anticipating the emergence of updated COVID-19 vaccines designed to target the XBB.1.5 variant of the omicron strain, health officials are emphasizing the importance of adapting vaccines to the virus’s mutations. Unlike the current combination shots that blend the original coronavirus strain with previous omicron variants, the forthcoming vaccines will align with the XBB variant. However, the evolving nature of the virus necessitates ongoing efforts to refine vaccines.
In a statement from his Lake Tahoe area vacation spot, President Biden shared, “I have endorsed a proposal to be presented to Congress, requesting supplementary funding for a new, effective vaccine.” He also conveyed that tentative recommendations suggest widespread vaccination once the new shots become available.
The recent funding proposal submitted to Congress by the White House on August 11 did not explicitly reference COVID-19. Instead, it included allocations for various purposes such as supporting Ukraine, replenishing federal disaster funds following a severe climate season, and fortifying enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border, including efforts to curb the influx of deadly fentanyl. Notably, the administration had previously sought $9.25 billion in funding to combat the virus last autumn, a request that was denied by Congress.
Despite a recent uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations, the situation remains considerably less severe than previous peaks. For the week ending July 29, approximately 9,056 COVID-19 hospital admissions were recorded, signifying a 12% rise from the preceding week. However, this figure pales in comparison to past highs, such as the 44,000 weekly admissions witnessed in early January, the nearly 45,000 in late July 2022, or the staggering 150,000 admissions during the omicron surge in January 2022.
As the battle against COVID-19’s shifting landscape persists, President Biden’s call for increased funding reflects the ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health and adapting strategies to the virus’s changing dynamics.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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