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From May 1 through July 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined more than 40,000 cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County and their findings are truly frightening. Health officials found that unvaccinated Americans are nearly five times more likely to be infected with the virus and 29.2 times more likely to be hospitalized after becoming infected. Their findings are compounded by a recent report from John Hopkins University that found that 40 U.S. states have fewer than 60% of their residents fully vaccinated. With hospitalizations and infections on the rise, health officials and lawmakers are calling on citizens now more than ever to get vaccinated.
"Nurses are on the frontlines, bearing the brunt of this pandemic. We owe it to them to get vaccinated, wear a mask and help keep our communities safe," Sen. Raphael Warnock tweeted.
"The vaccines are our best defense against COVID-19. If you have not done so already, it is time to get the shot," Vice President Kamala Harris added.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague the globe, many people have been concerned about the spread of the delta variant. Similar to the initial results, the latest CDC study found that the initial COVID-19 vaccine did well fighting against the virus even without a booster.
"In July, when the Delta variant was predominant, cycle threshold values were similar for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and vaccinated persons," the report explains.
Ultimately, CDC researchers believe there is one clear solution to this ongoing pandemic. The U.S. must make the vaccine as accessible as possible and continue to encourage people to get vaccinated.
"What are the implications for public health practice?" the study rhetorically asks.
"Efforts to enhance COVID-19 vaccination coverage, in coordination with other prevention strategies, are critical to preventing COVID-19–related hospitalizations and deaths."
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