Between August 5, 2021 and today, the number of COVID deaths in Nevada County increased from 75 to 109 – a 45% increase. This is a very clear sign that the pandemic is not over and that public health measures, including masking and getting vaccinated, are still important. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has attempted to address the question of the effectiveness of vaccine-induced immunity versus infection-induced immunity. Researchers from CDC’s VISION network gathered data from 187 hospitals across nine states (New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, and Colorado). The results suggest that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are around five times more effective at preventing hospitalization than a previous infection. The study concludes with a call to action: “All eligible persons should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, including unvaccinated people who have previously had SARS-CoV-2.”
On that note, you’ve probably seen that the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children ages 5 to 11. You can schedule your child’s vaccination (or your own booster shot, should you decide that your level of exposure or risk requires it) at myturn.ca.gov. Please continue to follow public health guidance, particularly as we enter the winter months. Coronavirus cases are projected to increase, so do what you can to stay safe.