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Five years on, COVID-19 remains a global concern. While hospitalizations and deaths are significantly lower than at the height of the pandemic, the virus continues to evolve—bringing new variants and public health debates.
The latest variant, NB.1.8.1, was first detected in China in January and now accounts for 10.7% of global cases, according to the World Health Organization. Although only fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the U.S. as of late May, experts say this strain may spread more easily and evade existing antibodies better than its predecessor, LP.8.1, which currently dominates U.S. cases.
The U.S. CDC recorded 735 COVID-19 deaths in May and a 3% test positivity rate nationwide. While many continue to live with minimal restrictions, high-risk individuals still face challenges navigating the virus safely.
Vaccine access is also shifting. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. Only people over 65 or with existing health conditions will remain eligible under federal guidance, possibly forcing others to pay $200 or more out of pocket for the vaccine.
Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, has also canceled FDA advisory reviews and contracts related to vaccine development, raising concerns among medical experts.
The future of COVID-19 vaccine accessibility and variant containment remains uncertain—but the virus continues to adapt, and public policy is doing the same.
