US CDC: COVID-19 Infection Rate 5 Times Higher in Unvaccinated Individuals

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The infection rate of unvaccinated individuals against COVID-19 was found to be about five times higher compared to those who have been vaccinated.

According to the US NBC News on the 25th (local time), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed 40,000 COVID-19 infection cases that occurred in Los Angeles (LA) from May 1 to July 25, and found that the infection rate among unvaccinated people was 4.9 times higher.

The CDC also reported that the rate of hospitalization after COVID-19 infection was 29.2 times higher among unvaccinated individuals.

Dr. Sharon Bolter, head of infectious diseases at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), said in an interview with NBC News, "This study means that vaccinated people are much less likely to have severe symptoms and may only show mild symptoms," adding, "This is why vaccination is necessary."

Dr. Bolter further recommended, "Although vaccinated people can contract COVID-19, they tend to show mild symptoms, so to prevent severe symptoms from spreading among the unvaccinated, wearing masks is essential."

The research team explained that although the proportion of the highly contagious Delta variant increased from 8% to about 90% by the end of July, vaccines still remain effective against severe symptoms.

Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, said, "This study shows that while the Delta variant causes breakthrough infections, vaccination dramatically reduces fatal symptoms and deaths."

She emphasized, "Vaccines are the most important factor preventing people from moving from intensive care units to morgues."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.