California sees a summertime uptick in COVID-19 activity tied to the Stratus subvariant, as test positivity climbs and more patients, including children and older adults, seek care. While the season’s surge is far quieter than the peak of the pandemic, health officials say it’s a reminder that the virus remains part of the health landscape and that vaccination and precautions still matter.
A seasonal pattern returns
Despite vaccines and previous waves, summertime COVID-19 activity has returned as travelers move about, gatherings resume and people spend time indoors to beat the heat. Experts note two annual surges are common: late fall/early winter and summer, with the Stratus variant contributing to the current uptick in California.
Why summer spikes happen
Public health officials point to several factors behind the summer rise:
– Increased travel and social mixing during vacation months.
– Indoor, air-conditioned spaces with lower humidity and potentially limited ventilation.
– Waning immunity from vaccination or past infections.
– Viral mutations that can help the virus evade existing immunity.
What the numbers show
California’s COVID-19 test positivity rose to 11.59% for the week ending Aug. 16, up from 5.69% the week ending July 19. State health officials expect the positivity rate to keep climbing in the coming weeks. The state notes that COVID-19 test positivity this summer resembles the pattern seen in 2023, when a summer wave peaked in early September.
The impact on emergency care
COVID-19 continues to drive some ER visits:
– For the week ending Aug. 17, about 4.04% of children up to age 11 who visited the ER had COVID-19 as their diagnosis, up from 1.02% in late June.
– Among adults aged 75 and older, about 2.25% of ER visits were COVID-related in the same period, up from 1.13% in late June.
What this means for vaccination and protection
Vaccination remains a central tool, even as uptake for the updated COVID-19 vaccine lags behind earlier years:
– About 14.7% of California’s population has received the updated vaccine introduced nearly a year ago.
– Uptake is higher among seniors (65 and up), with 37.2% vaccinated in that age group.
– Among ages 50–64, 17.7% have been vaccinated; ages 18–49 show 9.5% vaccination; ages 5–11 have 5.9%; and children under 5 have 3.2%.
– By region, 24.8% of residents across the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area have received the updated vaccine, with seniors in that area showing 51% vaccination.
– In the broader Southern California region (Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties), 12.5% of residents of all ages have received the updated vaccine, with 33% of seniors vaccinated.
– The California Department of Public Health continues to recommend that everyone age 6 months and older stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Vaccine policy and access
Policy notes and access issues have shaped the vaccination landscape:
– Health authorities emphasize that staying up to date with vaccines is particularly important for higher-risk groups, such as infants and toddlers, pregnant people, older adults, and others with chronic conditions.
– The CDC’s guidance on vaccination for certain populations has evolved over time, reflecting ongoing policy debates and administrative decisions about vaccine development, eligibility, and rollout timing.
– Some pharmacy chains have paused online scheduling for COVID-19 vaccines until the next version becomes available, while others continue to offer the current vaccine on a walk-in basis. CVS pharmacies nationwide say they continue to offer the 2024-25 vaccine and will switch to the 2025-26 version when released, with walk-in vaccination still available.
What the summer may look like going forward
Wastewater surveillance across California shows levels of the virus below the peak of the 2023 summer wave by about 20%, and roughly 50% below the height of the 2024 summer wave. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in this season are considered low by standard measures, though health officials caution that the virus remains capable of causing serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.
What you can do to protect yourself
– Get vaccinated now if you’re due for a dose, especially if you’re at higher risk of severe illness.
– If you develop symptoms or have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, consult a medical provider about antiviral options like Paxlovid to reduce illness duration and severity.
– Limit exposure to sick individuals when possible.
– Wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces, particularly if you are in a high-risk group or traveling.
– Improve indoor air quality by opening windows when feasible and ensuring good ventilation.
– Get tested if you have symptoms or suspect exposure, and stay home if you’re ill.
Flu and RSV reminders
Officials also urge vaccination for the upcoming flu season and note RSV vaccines are recommended for certain age groups. The flu shot is advised for everyone aged 6 months and older, while RSV vaccines are recommended for adults 75 and older and for those aged 50–74 at increased risk, with a one-time dose for pregnant people during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy.
Additional context and outlook
As summer continues, health officials stress that while the current wave is not as severe as previous peaks, the virus remains capable of causing significant illness, hospitalizations and, for some, long-term effects. Staying up to date on vaccines, using masks in crowded indoor settings when appropriate, and practicing good indoor air quality remain practical steps for reducing risk.
Key takeaways for readers
– Summer COVID-19 activity is rising in California, driven by the Stratus variant, with test positivity and ER visits up in certain age groups.
– Vaccination remains available and important, but uptake for the updated vaccine is uneven across age groups and regions.
– Protection strategies include vaccination, masking in indoor public spaces when appropriate, ventilation, testing, and available antiviral treatments.
– Flu and RSV vaccines are also important components of the upcoming respiratory-season protection plan.
Notes for editors and added value
– Consider adding a map widget showing updated vaccine uptake by county to enhance reader relevance.
– Include a small FAQ box addressing: what is the Stratus variant, how to get the updated vaccine, and where to find walk-in vaccination sites.
– For readers planning travel, suggest checking local health department guidance at their destination and carrying a mask for flights or crowded venues.
Summary: A seasonal rise in COVID-19 activity in California is underway, linked to the Stratus subvariant. While not as severe as prior peaks, the trend highlights the ongoing importance of vaccination and preventive measures as travel and social activity resume for summer. Readers are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccines, consider masking in indoor public spaces when appropriate, and seek timely care if symptoms develop.