Top 5 Takeaways Third Dose Effectiveness: A third dose of mRNA vaccines was highly effective at preventing COVID-19–associated emergency department (ED) and urgent care (UC) encounters and hospitalizations during both

Top 5 Takeaways Omicron Predominance: By late December 2021, the Omicron variant became the predominant strain in the U.S., leading to a surge in COVID-19 cases, ED visits, and hospitalizations.

Top 5 Takeaways Vaccine Effectiveness: COVID-19 vaccines remained highly effective against hospitalization and death, even with the emergence of the Delta variant and waning immunity. Impact of Booster Doses: Booster

Top 5 Takeaways New Vaccine Recommendations: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends the use of either the 15-valent PCV (PCV15) or the 20-valent PCV (PCV20) for adults

Top 5 Takeaways Highest Risk Group: Unvaccinated individuals without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis had the highest rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Impact of Delta Variant: After the Delta variant

Top 5 Takeaways Higher Vaccination Coverage Among Gay or Lesbian Adults: Gay or lesbian adults reported higher COVID-19 vaccination coverage (85.4%) compared to heterosexual adults (76.3%). Gender Differences in Vaccination:

Top 5 Takeaways Increased Vaccine Effectiveness: A third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines significantly increased vaccine effectiveness (VE) against hospitalization from 82% to 97% in immunocompetent adults and from 69%

Top 5 Takeaways Higher Risk for Unvaccinated: Unvaccinated individuals had significantly higher COVID-19 incidence and hospitalization rates compared to vaccinated individuals, especially those with a booster. Omicron Impact: During Omicron