State health officials are concerned about sluggish COVID vaccination rates this season. On Monday, Connecticut’s public health commissioner warned that it could lead to a spike in hospitalizations this winter.

COVID may feel like a thing of the past, but just since Aug, 1, there were 1,753 people hospitalized in Connecticut.

For many, it's been up to three years since they got a COVID shot - something that worries the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

“Certainly, there’s a bit of ‘COVID fatigue.’ People feel like they got a lot of COVID shots over the last several years,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani.

But Juthani told reporters that the virus has changed dramatically since most people had their last vaccine, which could leave them very sick.

“For a lot of people, the last time they had a COVID shot was at least a few years ago,” she said. “And I’ve had multiple people tell me, ‘You know, I had COVID this time and it was really bad.’ Now, maybe they didn't end up in the hospital, but they were really sick.”

According to DPH, 88% of hospitalized patients this season had not received an updated COVID shot.

Seniors are the most vulnerable to COVID, but only 16% of them have gotten the updated COVID vaccine, according to DPH statistics. For all ages, it’s just 5.6% – compared to 9.5% for the flu shot.

“I had it several times, so I really don't – I’m not concerned about COVID,” said Chris, from Norwalk. “I got it with a shot, I got it without a shot, so I’m not concerned.”

Since Aug. 1, Connecticut has seen 13,740 COVID cases – and those are only the ones reported to health departments. DPH said 109 of patients have died in the past two months.

Mike Parenteau, of Norwalk, plans to get the flu shot and COVID vaccine together. He said those who don’t might regret it.

“Just wait until they get popped with a COVID case and then they’ll be singing a different tune,” he said.

Most pharmacies and doctor’s offices offer COVID vaccinations. You can find a location near you HERE.

The federal government no longer offering free COVID shots, but most insurance carriers cover it. If you don’t have insurance, click HERE or call your local health department or Federally-Qualified Health Care Center.