Covid deaths are rising for some groups – here’s why
As the global pandemic of COVID-19 continues, it is important to understand why some groups are more vulnerable to Covid deaths than others. A recent study has shown that while the overall death rate from COVID is relatively low, there are significant differences by age and race. This information can help us target interventions and resources most effectively. Here are some of the key findings from the study.
According to The New York Times report, white and younger Americans have increased higher death tolls than before. This is following the adults’ vaccine eligibility.
Starting April, all adults in the US have the eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccination. Since then, the overall Covid death rate has lowered. However, there are still almost a quarter-million of recorded Covid deaths over the last eight months.
I still can't wrap my head around there being about 15,000 new cases of covid in NYC yesterday and only 38 in Tokyo.
— Crystal Marie Fleming (@alwaystheself) December 28, 2021
During the height of the pandemic, people of color and older Americans are more likely to get the virus and die from COVID-19. This is according to US CDC data. Moreover, here is a brief record of the vaccination rates all over the United States.
- 5-25 years old – 34% fully vaccinated
- 25-39 years old – 63% fully vaccinated
- 40-49 years old – 72% fully vaccinated
- 50-64 years old – 79% fully vaccinated
While the data presented by Times covered the month of November, children aged 5 and up have just been eligible for vaccines in November.
I’ve seen a lot of Covid in the ER recently.
With so many people getting infected recently, some folks may wonder what’s the point of getting vaccinated at all?
And is there really any value to a booster dose if I’ve had two Pfizer/Moderna or a shot of J&J?
My observations: 🧵
— Craig Spencer MD MPH (@Craig_A_Spencer) December 27, 2021
In short, more older people still add to the number of Covid deaths as compared to the younger population. Though the virus now is enclosed to a smaller scale of deaths among older people aged 65 and up. This is following the vaccine’s availability whereas deaths were higher before the vaccine. However, COVID- 19 deaths have increased for Americans 65 and younger.
Probable Factors
When ethnicity and race are considered, the sudden change of death percentages is a lot harsher. With the Covid death rate rising for middle-aged white people.
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Moreover, the sharp rise can be associated with the fact that white people are less likely to get vaccinated. As compared to other ethnicities like Asian and Hispanic Americans. But white people still have a higher chance of getting the vaccine than Black people.
In most of the countries, Covid death rates declined. But in 1 out of 10 countries, death rates have even doubled. In addition, areas with lower vaccination rates have higher Covid death rates. Especially with the recent wave of the Omicron variant.
According to the Times, all the data presented is showing that the change in the Covid death rates may be attributed to the number of unvaccinated people in an area and the areas experiencing the worst outbreaks.
