These data are alarming when we consider our vulnerable population, namely those who are immunocompromised and more vulnerable to infection, hospitalization and even death.  These patients account for 12% of all adult COVID hospitalizations and are at increased risk of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions and death compared to those who are not immunocompromised according to AstraZeneca reports. 
Who comprises the immunocompromised population and why are they more vulnerable to infection?  The answer may surprise you.  Those who are immunocompromised do not have the ability to optimally fight off an infection when they become ill.  Additionally, even if they are fully vaccinated and boosted, their bodies may not develop the proper antibodies necessary to fight off COVID if they become infected.  In other words, the vaccine may not be completely effective in these people.  Immunocompromised people include those who may be taking steroids as drugs for other illnesses, those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and those who have received an organ transplant.  Chances are you have a family member, relative, colleague or friend who is immunocompromised.  It is definitely more common than we expect.
Why is it important?  A young, healthy adult can be infected with the COVID virus and show little or no symptoms.  However, they may then infect an immunocompromised patient, perhaps a loved one, who may then be unable to mount an appropriate response to fight the infection and may then need to be hospitalized.  The best way to mitigate this and prevent such events is through vaccination.  According to CDC data, unvaccinated people are at least 13.9 times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than fully vaccinated and boosted.  The more people continue to be vaccinated, the less likely they are to become infected and the less likely it is to spread the disease to our vulnerable patients who cannot adequately fight off the infection. 
Vaccination and boosting is not only about protecting ourselves, but also about protecting our neighbors and loved ones who cannot protect themselves.  This is altruism in its purest form. 
We all know the many successful entrepreneurs and businessmen who generously give much of their wealth to charity.  Warren Buffett has given away $46.1 billion in philanthropy, much of it to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that focuses on health care initiatives and fighting poverty, Forbes.com reports.  Bill and Melinda Gates themselves have given $5.8 billion in grants to fund research and development of vaccines for COVID-19.  One of the many driving forces for philanthropy revolves around uplifting others and promoting the betterment of society. 
The choice of receiving the COVID vaccine and the bivalent booster should not be viewed differently.  By getting vaccinated, you could literally help prevent serious infections, hospitalization, and even death in countless people who lack the means to protect themselves.  This altruistic spirit resembles the intentions of billionaire philanthropists in their generous donations to society.  The difference – vaccination will not cost you a penny, and yet the impact can be comparable. 
According to Jewish and Islamic spiritual teachings, the salvation of one person equals the salvation of all mankind.  Vaccination and boosting provides an unparalleled opportunity for all of us to do our part to protect those who are most vulnerable to this deadly virus that has claimed the lives of so many.  Bivalent COVID booster programming may be the most generous and heartfelt gift you can give your loved ones this Christmas!