A CDC study published on April 28 found that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were 94 percent effective at preventing COVID hospitalization in people over 65 who were fully vaccinated. The study examined 417 real-world cases in hospitals across 14 states in the U.S. from January to March 2021. The promising results were consistent with the clinical trials. “These findings are encouraging and welcome news for the two-thirds of people aged 65 and up who are already fully vaccinated,” CDC director Rochelle Walensky, MD, said in a statement. As of April 28, more than 68 percent of people in the U.S. over 65 are fully vaccinated, per the CDC. And for more on life after the vaccine, You’re More Likely to Get COVID After Vaccination If You’re Over This Age. The study also found that people over 65 who have received just one shot already have some protection. According to the study, the vaccines were 64 percent effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization after partial vaccination in people over 65. Per the CDC, 82 percent of adults 65 and older have received at least one dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as of April 28. And for essential vaccine guidance, There’s a 50 Percent Chance You’ll Make This Mistake When Getting Vaccinated. As the study notes, the reduction in COVID-related hospitalization should help lessen the burden on the health care system. “COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, and these real-world findings confirm the benefits seen in clinical trials, preventing hospitalizations among those most vulnerable. The results are promising for our communities and hospitals,” Walensky said. “As our vaccination efforts continue to expand, COVID-19 patients will not overwhelm health care systems—leaving hospital staff, beds, and services available for people who need them for other medical conditions.” And for more COVID vaccine news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb There’s been plenty of good news from the CDC. An earlier study also found that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly effective in preventing COVID infections in the real world. The study, published on March 29, found that two or more weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, the vaccinated person’s risk of infection was reduced by 90 percent. Two weeks after a single dose of either vaccine, the receiver’s risk of getting COVID was diminished by 80 percent. The study examined health care personnel, first responders, and other essential workers, who “are more likely than the general population to be exposed to the virus because of their occupations.” And for more on vaccine efficacy, This Is How Long the Moderna Vaccine Really Protects You, New Study Says.
