Being fully vaccinated means leads to fewer hospitalizations, deaths
The importance of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to be emphasized by health officials.
Being fully vaccinated – two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of J&J – leads to fewer hospitalizations and deaths, according to information released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MDHHS created an eligibility assessment tool to assist residents in identifying if they are eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or if they are up to date.
The MDHHS recently released data showing that 76.8% of COVID-19 cases are reported in people who are not fully vaccinated. More than 84% of hospitalizations and 81.8% of deaths are in people not fully vaccinated.
“It is great news that the number of cases is declining in our state and our region,” said Lisa Peacock, Health Officer for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “We want to keep this downward trend continuing and prevent another surge. Therefore, it is still critical that anyone who is eligible get vaccinated and receive their booster shot,” she said.
The health department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccination clinics for anyone 5 and older. Clinics are offered at convenient times in all counties throughout the health department’s jurisdiction.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the health department encourages additional mitigation measures to keep individuals and their communities safe:
- After testing positive for COVID-19, individuals are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about whether they meet eligibility criteria and should get antibody or antiviral treatment to help with their recovery. Learn more about COVID-19 Therapeutics.
- Isolation and Quarantine. Staying away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19 are important tools to prevent further spread of the virus. Learn more about what happens when you have or are exposed to COVID-19
- Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others while you wait for your test result. Testing before unmasked gatherings provides an additional layer of protection. To schedule a COVID-19 test with the health department, click here.
- Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. For additional guidance on mitigation strategies see How to Protect Yourself and Others.
- Get a free mask. Free KN95 masks are being distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices. Residents who want masks can obtain masks from partner agencies across the state.
Stay up to date on the latest information in the Health Department of Northwest Michigan jurisdiction by liking and following our Facebook page and visiting our COVID-19 Data Dashboard. To locate a testing facility, visit the Michigan COVID-19 Test Finder website. To track the risk levels of COVID-19 pandemic indicators, visit the MI Safe Start Map website. For more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the MDHHS vaccine website or the CDC vaccine website.
This infographic from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows how being fully vaccinated protects oneself from COVID-19, hospitalizations, and death.