Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
94.5% Of Nebraskans Getting Virus This Year Weren’t Fully Vaccinated
Unified Command on Monday confirmed 215 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, August 23.
Eighty-nine of the cases were in Scotts Bluff County and the rest of them, 126, were in the area designated as the Greater Panhandle that includes Kimball.
Statewide data shared on the Monday briefing continues to show how important COVID vaccinations are in terms of overall protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The data was compiled by Matt Donahue, MD, Acting State Epidemiologist.
From January 1, 2021 to August 21, 2021, Nebraska data for not fully vaccinated individuals made up 94.5% of cases, 95.2% of hospitalizations, and 96% of deaths. This is confirming poor outcomes for COVID remain overwhelmingly among unvaccinated individuals.
Case rates continue diverging for vaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals. A chart showing not fully vaccinated vs. vaccine breakthrough case rates for ages overall in Nebraska shows cases remain higher and are increasing at a faster rate among not fully vaccinated individuals.
The same is true for hospitalizations, a chart showing a comparison among not fully vaccinated vs. vaccine breakthrough hospitalization rates shows hospitalizations remain lower among vaccinated individuals when compared with not fully vaccinated individuals for ages overall in Nebraska.
A final chart shared on the briefing was on vaccine effectiveness for mild infection and hospitalizations. Data was compared from the pre-Delta variant, considered January 1- June 30, 2021, vs. when greater than 50% of cases match the Delta variant, considered July 1-August 21, 2021. Vaccine effectiveness is reduced since the arrival of Delta, but the vaccine is still working very well at protecting against severe outcomes. This has and remains the goal overall in the COVID response effort.
“We are hearing reports from area vaccine providers about increasing interest in COVID vaccines among Panhandle residents, especially with the Pfizer FDA full approval announcement. This has been encouraging but we can’t stress enough for people to not wait, it’s widely available and is showing to be one of the best protections,” said Kim Engel, Health Director at Panhandle Public Health District.
Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For any youth age 12 and older preparing to return to school, make sure getting your COVID vaccine is on the list. COVID vaccine is available across the Panhandle. There is no charge for the vaccine.
In Kimball, walk-ins are welcome at Kimball Health Service to get vaccinated 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard to access a COVID vaccine, call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.
People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu.