in san diego, patients are overflowing into field hospitals. we re sending somebody to the icu or seeing someone pass away ever shift, every day. reporter: but some hopeful news on friday, the cdc released new data that show boosters are 90% effective against severe illness from omicron. protection against infection and hospitalization with the omicron variant is highest for those who are up to date with their vaccination, meaning those who are boosted when they re eligible. reporter: another remainder to help put the surge behind us. reporter: and according to the cdc, roughly 86 million americans are eligible for boosters, but less than half of that population has received that extra dose, and alex, it is worth noting that even though we re seeing some easing up of cases in some parts of the country, the agency is still recommending that you mask up in indoor public settings, even if you re up to date on your vaccines. can i just add, too, it s so darn cold outside, i go