This certainly appears to be significant -- for the first time, the majority of COVID deaths are among the 'vaccinated' here in the U.S.
An analysis of official data found that 58% of COVID deaths in August of this year were in people who were vaccinated or boosted.
Experts caution this was expected because such a large majority of the population has received at least the standard two-dose regimen. Those more likely to die from Covid, for example, the elderly and immunosuppressed, are also more likely to be vaccinated, further skewing the ratio.
Research has shown that as COVID has mutated, the vaccines have become less effective — with regular boosters required for the best protection.
For example, in September 2021, 23% of COVID deaths were in vaccinated people. By February this year, that figure had risen to 42%. As the graphic below shows, by August, deaths from COVID among vaccinated Americans were up to nearly 60%.
Official data shows there are currently 2,000 Americans dying of COVID every week compared to 8,000 weekly this time last year.
At the peak of the pandemic in January 2021, there were more than 20,000 people succumbing to the virus every seven days.
A hugely successful vaccine campaign and repeated waves of infection have helped slash the severity of COVID, along with the weaker Omicron variant. Some 69% of Americans have been given at least two doses of vaccine. That works out to about 230 million of our citizens.
Dr. Ashish Jha, White House Coronavirus response coordinator, claimed earlier this week that 'most every Covid death in America' could be prevented if Americans keep current on their booster shots, and get treated for any breakthrough infections.
Graphic courtesy CDC/Daily Mail UK
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