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The annual summer surge of COVID-19 infections has begun, fueled by the spread of new variants. People congregating indoors to avoid extreme heat and an extremely busy July 4 travel period are expected to drive up infections.

While experts expect this summer wave to remain mild, it's a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable. Cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, and they don't appear to be declining in any state, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

The KP.3 and KP.2 strains, descendants of the highly contagious JN.1 variant and among the so-called FLiRT variants, account for more than half of infections, according to CDC data. CDC vaccine advisers will meet soon to discuss who should get the updated COVID-19 shots that will be released in the fall. Head over to Axios to read the full story.