Updated coronavirus vaccines may not be available until mid-September, and people who are not considered high risk may not be able to access them. Coronavirus infections are climbing again, marking another summer wave as children go back to school.

Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College and a veteran epidemiologist, said he was "baffled" by the unprecedented move. He and others thought of it as a foreshadowing that vaccine recommendations would be upended.

The trend in the Commonwealth is consistent with an uptick in several parts of the country, including New York and California.

Plus, what it’s like in Washington D.C. right now.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Congressman Clay Higgins, a Republican from Lafayette, said he wants to block future federal funding to the New Orleans Health Department following its promotion of updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance.

“This usual chain of decisions … has been disrupted. And without clarity and coordination, millions may not be able to have clear access to Covid vaccines, and that could potentially impact hospitalizations and deaths,” said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and public health communicator. “It’s as simple as that.”

Researchers show that countries with higher initial COVID-19 vaccine acceptance also achieved stronger booster uptake, but trust and access remain decisive. The commentary warns that vaccine successes also fueled hesitancy,

The Itasca-based American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for kids 6 months to 2 years.