HHS: Vaccination reduced COVID-19 cases by 250,000

A report from the Department of Health and Human Services estimates COVID-19 vaccinations helped prevent 250,000 infections, 100,000 hospitalizations and 39,000 deaths among Medicare beneficiaries between January and May of 2021. Researchers calculated an 11-12% decrease in weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths among Medicare beneficiaries for every 10% increase in county vaccination rates. High vaccination rates for all adults were even more protective for Medicare beneficiaries than a high elderly vaccination rate on its own. The finding underscores the importance of getting all eligible U.S. individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. (HHS news release, 10/5/21)