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The rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations nationwide continues to rise, specifically among children and adults under 50.
CNN reports every age group under 50 has now surpassed its previous record for hospitalizations, which was set during the first half of January 2021, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The biggest increase reported was among adults between the ages of 30 and 39, as well as children under 18, with both spiking more than 30% from their previous peak, according to CDC data.
The rate for all ages is still, however, lower than the previous high reported in January, but is currently on pace to reach a new record high within a month, with an average of more than 11,000 new hospital admissions for COVID-19 reported during the past week.
The CDC reports the individuals at risk for experiencing severe illness and hospitalization are unvaccinated, yet only 51% of the American population is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The spike in cases comes amid the spread of the delta variant, which the CDC has referred to as "highly contagious, likely to be more severe."
The delta variant now accounts for nearly 100% of all COVID-19 cases in the United States, CDC data confirmed.
Top U.S. health officials announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots to all Americans beginning next month.
NBC News reports the booster shots will be offered to all Americans beginning the third week of September as many individuals approach an eight-month gap since their previous dose.
The eight-month gap is believed to be based on findings both within the U.S. and internationally on how the vaccines have held up over time and whether they can combat the delta variant.