What to know about Covid’s uptick and mRNA vaccines right now

The waste doesn’t lie: Up to a few weeks ago, wastewater data showed rising Covid-19 viral levels in New York City and across the state. While more recent wastewater data on the CDC dashboard is delayed, Covid-related hospitalizations are rising—though they’re much lower than they were around this time last year, according to epidemiologist Marisa […]
What to know about Covid’s uptick and mRNA vaccines right now

COVID-19’s Summer Surge: What You Need to Know About the Uptick and mRNA Vaccines

By Imran Siddiqui • August 18, 2025 • Health & Wellness

The world may have moved on from daily case counts, but COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared. This season many regions are seeing a noticeable uptick in infections, largely tied to new subvariants. While most infections are mild, the rise matters — especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Here’s a clear guide to what’s happening and how updated mRNA vaccines fit into the picture.

📈 The Current Uptick

Rising cases: Clinics and surveillance networks report more COVID-positive patients compared to earlier months.
Variant dynamics: Omicron sublineages and descendant variants are driving most new infections and tend to spread quickly.
Why it matters: Higher transmission increases the chance of severe outcomes among vulnerable groups and can strain local health services.

💉 mRNA Vaccines in 2025: Where We Stand

Updated boosters exist: Pfizer and Moderna released updated mRNA formulations for 2024–25 to better match circulating strains.
Effectiveness: Protection against infection is modest and can wane, but protection against hospitalization and severe disease remains meaningful — particularly for older adults and those with comorbidities.
Safety: The mRNA platform’s safety profile is well-studied. Rare side effects, such as myocarditis in younger males, are monitored and weighed against strong benefits for preventing severe illness.
Policy & research: Funding and strategy discussions continue about future variant-specific vaccines and longer-term mRNA development priorities.

🛡️ Practical Takeaways

Get boosted if you’re high-risk: People 65+ or immunocompromised should prioritize the updated mRNA shot.
Test when symptomatic or exposed: Rapid tests help protect household members and others at higher risk.
Layer protections: Use good ventilation, consider high-quality masks in crowded indoor spaces, and keep up with hygiene.
Talk to your clinician: Pregnant people, parents of young children, and those with recent infections may need tailored advice.

🔮 Looking Ahead

COVID-19 won’t vanish overnight. Variants will keep emerging and vaccines will continue to adapt. The clearest path forward: stay informed, keep vulnerable people protected, and use the tools available—vaccines, testing, and sensible precautions—to reduce harm.