‘Triple demic’: What is it? Joe Biden admin. resists American Academy of Pediatrics call for RSV, flu and COVID national emergency

WASHINGTON– The Biden administration has resisted calls from pediatric health groups to declare a national emergency over the “triple demic.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association say cases of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV are overwhelming the healthcare system.

Declaring a national emergency would give providers additional resources, as well as more regulatory flexibility, to deal with a so-called “crisis”.

The hospitalization rate for all children during the week of November 12 was twice that of any other flu season, according to CDC data.

The White House said the strategic national stockpile has supplies like ventilators and personal protective equipment, but no state has requested them yet.

Rather than declare a national emergency, federal health officials said they stand ready to provide aid to communities in need on a case-by-case basis.

The CNN Wire contributed to this report.