The second-highest surge

We're in the midst of the second-highest COVID surge in the U.S.—but vaccines work, if people get them. New climate data released yesterday highlights the importance of advancing biotech solutions. (440 words, 2 minutes, 12 seconds)

COVID surge underlines importance of vaccines

COVID is having its second-highest surge in the United States, according to wastewater testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccination is still the best defense.

The situation: With about 2 million Americans infected every day, it seems COVID—now in its fourth year—is here to stay.

The good news: The vaccines work. In January 2021, just after vaccination began, COVID caused a staggering 29.9% of U.S. deaths. Last month, COVID caused 3.6% of U.S. deaths. 

But risk remains. More than 81% of COVID deaths are among people over 65. 10-30% of COVID patients experience post-COVID conditions, and 5-15% of those experience a long-term, disabling condition.

The vaccines work—if people get them. A study shows the updated vaccine works against the latest JN.1 variant of the COVID virus. Everyone over age 5 is advised to get an updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine, but as of Nov. 4, only 14% of Americans were fully boosted.

Biotech is updating the vaccines and raising awareness:Novavax’s Choose to Protect Campaign provides information “with the goal to drive vaccination rates in the U.S. and abroad.” GSK’s COiMMUNITY program is “a multi-pronged initiative” combining data and community outreach to increase vaccine uptake.

The bottom line: Stay up to date on your COVID vaccines!

Read more on Bio.News.

2023 was hot – here’s why it matters

We already knew 2023 was the hottest year on record, and new data confirms it. Here’s why it matters—and how biotech can help us adapt and mitigate future temperature increases. 

Really, how hot? 2023 was 1.48C warmer than pre-industrial levels, says yesterday’s report from EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. It was the first year on record in which every day was 1C above pre-industrial levels.

Why it matters: The Paris Agreement is designed to ensure we never surpass pre-industrial levels by 1.5C for sustained periods, because scientists warn of devastating consequences for life on earth at that level. But we’re falling short.

What’s happening now: The storms causing extreme conditions around the U.S. may not feel heat-related, but they’re caused by our inability to contain human-induced climate change.

Luckily, biotech can help mitigate disaster—with solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, like sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), methane reduction measures, and biomanufacturing to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Biotech also helps us adapt—through developments like heat-resistant cattle and drought-resistant rice, corn and wheat to ensure food security.

But we can do more. Government efforts include climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and initiatives to promote SAFs and biomanufacturing. A recent poll shows Americans believe government efforts should support biotech climate solutions. (BIO agrees.)

President Biden’s Wednesday: No official events scheduled.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Continuing work on 2024 spending legislation.