Health Department Releases New Data that Reveal Extent to Which Vaccines Prevent Death

     The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are currently ill, hospitalized, and have died were not fully vaccinated, according to new data the New York Health Department released today. 

    For instance, between Jan. 17  and Aug. 7, 2021, 97.3% of people who died from COVID were unvaccinated, however, in the same time period, only .0003% of those who died from COVID complications were vaccinated.

    Similarly, so far this year, the state’s Health Department found that while 96.9% of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized were unvaccinated, only 0.02% of COVID patients who were hospitalized, had been vaccinated.

    While 33% of fully vaccinated New Yorkers have been diagnosed with COVID, their symptoms are almost universally mild and do not cause severe illness.

    No vaccine can 100% prevent infection with virulent viruses, many health experts have said, New York City’s Health Commissioner Dave A. Chokshi, MD, said that “Our new analysis shows that the vaccines continue to be highly effective against COVID-19 illness, including against the Delta variant.

     "The best way that unvaccinated New Yorkers can protect themselves and their loved ones is by getting vaccinated. The data we’re presenting today is real-world and rigorous.

     "The bottom line: vaccines keep you alive and out of the hospital.”

(Photo by: Philip Kamrass/ Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)