More than 71 per cent of local COVID cases, hospitalizations in unvaccinated people: Associate MOH - KitchenerToday.com

Waterloo Region's Associate Medical of Health provided some COVID-19 vaccination statistics during Friday's community update. 

According to Dr. Rabia Bana, the risk of getting COVID-19 across Ontario is eight-times higher for individuals that are not vaccinated, compared to those who are.

In Waterloo Region, 71.9 per cent of local COVID-19 cases since May 1 were in unvaccinated individuals, 25.2 per cent were partially vaccinated or not yet fully protected by their vaccine, and 2.9 per cent were fully vaccinated - or what's called 'breakthrough cases'. 

For hospitalizations since May 1, 71.5 per cent were not vaccinated, 24.4 per cent were partially vaccinated or not yet fully protected, while 4.1 per cent were in fully vaccinated individuals.

Broken down further, 71 per cent of local ICU admissions since May 1 have been unvaccinated individuals, 27.1 per cent were partially vaccinated or not yet fully protected, and Dr. Bana said 1 per cent were fully vaccinated.

As for COVID-related deaths, Dr. Bana said 83.9 per cent since May 1 have been unvaccinated or not yet protected by their vaccine. Five deaths were among fully vaccinated individuals, and four were associated with long-term care and retirement home outbreaks. 

"We continue to remain at risk for a resurgence of Delta, which is why we still need more people to get vaccinated," said Dr. Bana. "We need to aim for a 90 per cent or greater rate of vaccination coverage for both first and second doses."

Dr. Bana added, "The highest vaccination rates possible are required to keep our schools and communities safe this fall, including for those who are not yet eligible for vaccination. We need everyone to help prevent a fourth wave."

As for local COVID-19 trends, Dr. Bana said our case rates are slightly higher than they were a week ago. 

"Our seven-day rolling average is 2.9 cases per 100,000, vs. 2.6 last week."

However, as of Thursday, Waterloo Region's case rate sat at approximately 20 cases per 100K population. Dr. Bana said that's down from approximately 40 cases in the beginning of July. 

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More than 71 per cent of local COVID cases, hospitalizations in unvaccinated people: Associate MOH - KitchenerToday.com
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