Indiana health officials have counted about 62,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines being tossed out in recent months as the number of people seeking the shots has fallen drastically.

With lagging vaccination uptake and the delta variant’s appearance in late June, cases have skyrocketed again.

The statewide patient count -- which two weeks ago was fewer than 1,000 -- prompted the Indiana Hospital Association to issue a warning and call for those who aren't yet vaccinated to do so immediately.

Indiana surpassed 3 million fully vaccinated Hoosiers Friday. The milestone comes as the state sees a slight uptick -- a little less than double -- in the weekly average of Hoosiers getting their initial shot.

Across Indiana and the country, each school district is faced with important decisions on COVID-19 safety protocols. But misinformation, politics and emotions are sometimes getting in the way, leaving parents and school officials with confusing, mixed messages.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday refused to block a plan by Indiana University to require students and employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The case is not the first time a coronavirus-related issue has been before the court, but it is the first time it has been asked to weigh in on a vaccine mandate.

Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns announced in a message to faculty that masks would be required in all university buildings beginning Monday. And Valparaiso University is requiring all students, faculty and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall semester.

The COVID-19 delta variant accounts for more than 80 percent of sampled positive cases in Indiana. State health officials have pointed to the variant as the main driver of Indiana’s recent climb in new cases and hospitalizations.

A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Indiana University can proceed with its plan to require students and employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19.