(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The head of Chicago's public health department says the new COVID sub-variant XBB.1.5 is increasing nationwide, but the latest booster shot is effective against it.
Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said XBB.1.5 is not causing more severe illness in the Northeast, where that subvariant accounts for three-quarters of new cases. For now.
"They are seeing some increase in hospitalizations in older folks in the Northeast, but that seems to be -- at least based on what I'm reading and hearing from folks -- that seems to be based as much on the fact that they're seeing a surge overall."
The subvariant is spreading more easily, she said.
Arwady notes the bivalent booster shot does provide good protection against the XBB.1.5 subvariant, but it is not 100 percent effective.
On influenza: Dr. Arwady says this year the city is seeing fewer children getting flu shots while the number of adults getting flu shots is on par with last year or maybe a little ahead.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
