The CDC just corrected Sotomayor claim of over 100,000 pediatric hospitalizations to the real number of 8,500. So apparently nobody can get correct numbers. People need to stop believing everything they read no matter how reputable the source.
I believe in science and essential to science is that as new information becomes available theories may have to be modified to reflect the new data. Until new data becomes available, IMHO the best anyone can do is accept advice from as you put it — reputable — sources.
How many times have you heard that weather forecasts are worthless. Not from me as they are the only logical way to plan one's events and behavior (if rain is predicted I carry an umbrella with me). The same goes with Covid; it's all new.