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New COVID-19 Vaccine Significantly Reduces Hospitalizations & Deaths in US Veterans

By Dr. Helena Fischer - Editor, Health

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January 12, 2026 10:01 am

1. Updated COVID-19 ‍Vaccine Significantly Reduces Hospitalizations and Deaths Among US Veterans

2. Why Combined Vaccination Matters

Updated COVID-19 ‍Vaccine Significantly Reduces Hospitalizations and Deaths Among US Veterans

Recent data, analyzed as of January 12, 2026, reveals a promising advancement in the fight against COVID-19.⁤ A newly developed vaccine, administered‌ between 2024 and 2025, has demonstrated substantial benefits for veterans receiving care through the US public health system. The extensive study,‍ featured in the New England Journal ⁣of ‍Medicine, followed nearly 300,000 individuals,⁤ comparing‌ outcomes between those who received a combined influenza and COVID-19 vaccine and those who received only the influenza vaccine.

Findings indicate ⁤that individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 experienced a ⁣39% reduction in hospitalization risk,a 29% decrease in emergency department visits,and a remarkable 64% lower risk of ⁣death due to complications from the virus after six months. This ⁤is particularly encouraging given the evolving nature of⁤ the virus and the ongoing need for preventative measures.

Importantly, these protective effects were observed across all age groups, including those over 75, and among individuals with chronic health conditions or weakened⁤ immune ⁢systems. This broad applicability underscores the vaccine’s potential to⁣ safeguard vulnerable populations.

Researchers emphasize that, despite the⁢ decreasing severity of COVID-19 over⁤ time, vaccination remains a critical strategy for preventing serious illness-especially for those at higher risk. ⁢Furthermore, combining influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations may⁣ improve⁣ uptake rates and streamline seasonal ⁢immunization campaigns.

According to the CDC, as of December 2025, approximately⁣ 68% of adults in the US have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but uptake of updated boosters remains lower. Learn more about current⁢ vaccination⁤ recommendations.

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Why Combined Vaccination Matters

The strategy‍ of co-governance – giving the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together – isn’t just about convenience. I’ve found that simplifying the process significantly increases ⁤the likelihood people will⁣ stay up-to-date with their immunizations. It’s a behavioral nudge that can have

Dr. Helena Fischer - Editor, Health

Full Name: Dr. Helena Fischer Role: Editor, Health Category: Health Location: Berlin, Germany Education: MD, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Experience: 11+ years in medical journalism and internal medicine Expertise: Public health, infectious diseases, healthcare policy, medical innovation Awards: European Health Journalism Award 2023 Professional Affiliations: Member, European Association of Science Editors Languages: German (native), English (fluent), Spanish (conversational) Bio: Dr. Helena Fischer is a respected physician and health journalist with over a decade of experience in internal medicine and science communication. She holds an MD from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Dr. Fischer is passionate about public health, medical innovation, and making complex medical topics accessible to all. As Editor of the Health section at World Today Journal, she is dedicated to providing readers with accurate, up-to-date health news and expert analysis.