Greene County reports 13 COVID-19 deaths, including woman in her 20s

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department continues to see the devastating impact of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates. 

Thirteen COVID-19 deaths were reported to the Health Department between Aug. 11-17. Nine of these deaths occurred in August, which includes a woman in her 20s. This brings the total number of people who have died from COVID-19 so far this month to 24.

The deaths of these individuals underscore the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent severe illness from COVID-19. The conditions that cause someone to be at an increased risk for hospitalization and death are experienced by many in our community, and include things like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and a history of smoking. Everyone 12 and older needs to take the important step of getting vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community.

Individuals lost include:

 
A woman in her 20s
Three men in their 50s
A woman in her 50s
Three men in their 60s
A woman in her 60s
Two men in their 70s
A woman in her 70s
A woman in her 80s

A total of 556 Greene County residents have died from COVID-19. Ten people who were fully vaccinated have died from COVID-19 since January 1, for a breakthrough rate of 4.4%. All individuals had underlying health conditions.

 

Although hospitalizations and fatalities among fully vaccinated individuals are rare, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced response to the COVID-19 vaccination, leaving them more susceptible to illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that immunocompromised individuals who received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) seek a third dose 28 days after they received the second. Those who have questions about whether they should receive a third dose of the vaccine should speak with their physician.

The COVID-19 vaccines are our best defense against the virus and the Delta variant circulating in our community. The vaccines are safe, effective and help prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths.

A list of vaccine opportunities can be found at vaccine417.com or by calling the COVID-19 Call Center at (417) 874-1211.

Number of Greene County residents fully vaccinated (as of Aug. 18)
113,201 Greene County residents 12 and older have been fully vaccinated
According to the CDC, 59.3% of Americans 12+ have been fully vaccinated. This compares to 44.6% in Greene County.

Cases by vaccination status (among cases where the vaccination status is known)
Since January, 94% of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 were not vaccinated.

Current hospitalizations
211 hospitalizations
75 are Greene County residents

For the reporting period from Aug. 2 – Aug 15, 2021:

COVID-19 cases
1,901 cases
8.61% of cases are among those 0-11 years old – the highest share of new cases to date and up slightly from the previous record of 8.49% two weeks ago.

Percent fully vaccinated by age group
81+: 73.07%
71-80: 75.93%
61-70: 66.11%
51-60: 51.43%
41-50: 44.53%
31-40: 38.15%
21-30: 25.01%
11-20: 22.23%

Additional information, including daily updates, can be found on the Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard at http://health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus

A recording of today’s media availability can be viewed at https://cityview.springfieldmo.gov/livestream/