The American Lung Association announced on July 28 the launch of a new campaign to inform healthcare providers about current COVID-19 therapeutic options available for eligible adult patients, aiming to help prevent severe disease.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that from October 1, 2025, through May 2, 2026, there have been between 3.8 million and 12.3 million illnesses, up to 250,000 hospitalizations, and approximately 41,000 deaths due to COVID-19. The association said respiratory viruses remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.
“COVID-19 is still a persistent public health issue in the U.S. COVID-19 is highly transmissible, so preventing disease is particularly important for people at high risk of severe illness and complications from the infection,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO for the American Lung Association. “Thankfully, there have been significant advancements in both preventing and treating COVID-19, but unfortunately, these are underutilized. Healthcare providers are the most trusted source of health information, so it is critical for them to be up to date on the options available, and to discuss these options with their patients.”
The association reported that antiviral use remains under 15%, with only 16% of eligible patients receiving treatment within five days of infection. Vaccination rates were also low during the recent season: only 18% of adults and nine percent of children received a COVID-19 vaccine dose; among adults aged 65–74 this figure was at 31%, while those aged over 75 reached just 37%. According to survey data cited by the organization, healthcare providers remain trusted sources who should recommend vaccination as well as discuss additional preventive measures with high-risk patients.
Individuals considered at high risk include those aged over sixty-five or living with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD; former or current smokers; immunocompromised individuals; or those with heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. The American Lung Association said supporting healthcare professionals with updated resources about evolving therapies will be critical as new treatments become available.
The organization’s work includes research contributions toward lung disease treatment advances and community outreach across local offices nationwide, according to its official website. Harold Wimmer serves as president and CEO of the group.
