Blocked CDC Covid Study Lands in JAMA, Showing 55% Fewer Hospitalizations

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 23

JAMA Network Open published the CDC study Tuesday after its planned March release in MMWR was halted, with results showing the 2025-26 Covid shot cut hospitalization odds 55% and ER or urgent-care visits 50%.
Seven states supplied the data from adults treated for Covid-like symptoms from September to December 2025, using a test-negative design that compared vaccination rates among patients who tested positive versus negative.
Jay Bhattacharya blocked the paper after CDC review and editorial approval, arguing the method can be distorted by factors such as prior infection and that longitudinal cohort studies provide stronger evidence.
Outside experts and a JAMA editorial by reviewer Natalie Dean said test-negative studies have known limits but remain a practical, widely accepted tool, raising concerns that publication decisions are becoming politicized.

Sources

NBC News1h ago

Blocked CDC Covid Vaccine Study Published in JAMA Network Open, Shows 50% Illness Reduction

University of Minnesota Twin Cities1d ago

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Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance1h ago

CDC Study: 2025-26 COVID-19 Booster Reduces Hospitalization and Emergency Care Risk

6 Sources

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COVID-19 Booster Effectiveness, Waning Immunity, and Uptake Trends: Data and Strategies for 2024–2026

Overview

As of mid-2026, updated COVID-19 boosters from the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons have shown strong effectiveness in protecting people from severe outcomes, especially against Omicron subvariants. These boosters are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, and are recommended by the CDC for everyone aged 6 months and older. Real-world data, such as studies in U.S. military veterans, show that the 2024-2025 vaccine reduced major cardiovascular events and saved lives. Overall, these updated boosters play a key role in reducing the burden of disease and supporting public health.

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