New data from the Michigan government shows that the vast majority of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms are unvaccinated.

Michigan has seen one of the largest COVID-19 surges in the last few months and that has our hospital systems across the state at a tipping point. Some hospitals in the area are even having to turn patients away because they are at or near capacity.

Recent data from the government shows that this surge might have been preventable. As of November 29th, 87% of all COVID-19 ICU patients are unvaccinated and 88% of all COVID-19 patients on ventilators are unvaccinated. In addition, the state said "Michigan's number of hospitalized COVID-19 cases reached a new high this week, with 4,291 patients hospitalized. Recently, Michigan reached 70% of residents 16 and older who have received their first vaccine dose, but cases are surging in the unvaccinated population." in the press release.

That data shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is very effective at preventing serious illness if you do catch COVID-19. However, the vaccines are not 100% effective in preventing illness or in spreading COVID-19 between vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

There are many ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to reduce the burden on the healthcare system:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Get your booster shot if you eligible
  • Wear masks indoors and social distance when able to do so
  • Get COVID tested if you feel ill or before you gather with friends and family
  • Washing your hands regularly with hot water and soap or use hand sanitizer
  • Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • Self-isolating when you are sick with COVID-19

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