Unvaccinated people 11 times more likely to die from Covid, CDC report finds

Second study shows Moderna vaccine most effective of three approved in US

Those not fully vaccinated were 11 times more likely to die of Covid this spring, and ten times more likely to be hospitalised with the virus, than those who had had both doses of a vaccine, says a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Another study, also published by the CDC on Friday, shows that the Moderna coronavirus vaccine was slightly more effective in preventing hospitalisations than those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson. However, it stressed the effectiveness of all three vaccines against the contagious Delta variant.

The CDC’s reports are consistent with findings from other studies in that they show that all vaccines give strong protection against hospitalisation and death, but are less effective in older adults, particularly those with underlying health problems.

According to the research, the three vaccines were collectively 86% effective in preventing hospitalisation, with protection highest for those who received Moderna vaccines (95%) followed by those who used Pfizer-BioNTech (80%) and Johnson & Johnson (60%).

Public health officials said it was far better for people to take whatever vaccine is available to them immediately, rather wait for a preferred one and delay getting a jab.

“The bottom line is this: We have the scientific tools we need to turn the corner on this pandemic,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said at a White House briefing on Friday. “Vaccination works and will protect us from the severe complications of covid-19.”

The clarity of the studies has been welcomed at a time when there has been much confusion about how effective vaccines are against the Delta variant and whether booster shots are required for “full” protection reports the Washington Post.

President Joe Biden announced a raft of new measures on Thursday aimed at battling the Delta variant, including mandating all businesses with more than 100 employees to require their workers to be immunised or be tested every week.

Over the past eight days, Covid fatalities have risen to an average of 1,500 a day across the United Sates — the highest death rate since March.