San Francisco health officials report rising COVID cases and push bivalent booster campaign

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in San Francisco, prompting health officials to ramp up vaccination efforts and public messaging. During a recent government meeting, officials reported a notable increase in COVID-19 cases across the city, California, and the nation, with 114 hospitalizations, including 13 in intensive care.

The focus is now on promoting the bivalent booster, which has been approved for individuals over six months old. Currently, 283,966 residents, or about 32% of the population, have received this booster, with higher uptake among those aged 65 and older. Despite these numbers being better than state and national averages, officials stress that many still need to get vaccinated to ensure community protection.

In response to the holiday season and the rise of various viruses, including flu and RSV, the Department of Public Health has launched a comprehensive outreach campaign. This includes a dedicated website and social media toolkit aimed at educating the public on protective measures and vaccine availability. Community pop-up vaccination events are being held in schools, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Health officials also highlighted the importance of ongoing community partnerships and resources, including testing and treatment options, to combat the virus effectively. As the healthcare system faces strain from rising illness rates, officials continue to monitor hospital capacity and encourage residents to stay vigilant by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and utilizing rapid testing kits.

In a positive note, there have been no new monkeypox cases reported in recent weeks, indicating progress in that area. As the city prepares for the end of the state of emergency in February 2023, health officials remain committed to ensuring public safety and health through continued education and resource availability.