Three things to know about COVID-19 as we head into the fall
Since it arrived, COVID-19 has had its largest peak with other respiratory viruses in late fall and winter, but it has also continued to have a summer peak. This year is no different, but three things are worth noting:
- The 2026 summer peak is the lowest yet. According to the August 16, 2026, “Force of Infection” report, emergency room (ER) visits have been around 0.3%, compared with 1.5%–2% last year.
- Children between 1 and 4 years of age are the most likely to visit the ER due to symptoms of COVID-19, and those 65 years and older are the most likely to be hospitalized.
- As we move toward the fall and winter, it’s important for parents of young children to realize that the youngest among us did not live through the pandemic. As such, they represent the largest group of susceptible people in the population. For this reason, vaccination of young children against COVID-19 is important for protecting them.
“The dose makes the poison”
Did you know that season 4 of VEC Vaccine Notes has started? Season 4 will focus on vaccine ingredients, and episode 1 sets the stage, discussing the different types and quantities of vaccine ingredients. The episode also highlights the famous quote, “The dose makes the poison,” and its importance when thinking about not only vaccine exposures but other exposures to chemicals as well.
Check out VEC Vaccine Notes season 4, episode 1:
Three things to know about COVID-19 as we head into the fall
Since it arrived, COVID-19 has had its largest peak with other respiratory viruses in late fall and winter, but it has also continued to have a summer peak. This year is no different, but three things are worth noting:
- The 2026 summer peak is the lowest yet. According to the August 16, 2026, “Force of Infection” report, emergency room (ER) visits have been around 0.3%, compared with 1.5%–2% last year.
- Children between 1 and 4 years of age are the most likely to visit the ER due to symptoms of COVID-19, and those 65 years and older are the most likely to be hospitalized.
- As we move toward the fall and winter, it’s important for parents of young children to realize that the youngest among us did not live through the pandemic. As such, they represent the largest group of susceptible people in the population. For this reason, vaccination of young children against COVID-19 is important for protecting them.
“The dose makes the poison”
Did you know that season 4 of VEC Vaccine Notes has started? Season 4 will focus on vaccine ingredients, and episode 1 sets the stage, discussing the different types and quantities of vaccine ingredients. The episode also highlights the famous quote, “The dose makes the poison,” and its importance when thinking about not only vaccine exposures but other exposures to chemicals as well.
Check out VEC Vaccine Notes season 4, episode 1: