Have you received your COVID-19 vaccinations? One dose? Second dose? Booster dose? Second booster dose? According to the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH) on April 6, 2022:
- 72% of the population have received 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- 59% of the popoulation have completed the COVID-19 vaccination series.
- 33% of the population have received their booster dose for COVID-19.
There are multiple studies available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to the proof of increased immunity to COVID-19 when a person has received a booster shot for the virus.
According to a study prepared by the CDC, receiving two or three doses of an mRNA (the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in risk for severe illness or death from a COVID-19 infection. Protection with three doses of mRNA vaccine during the period of the Omicron variant showed a 94% reduction in risk for severe illness and death associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis. (CDC, March 2021-January 2022.)
An article released on December 8, 2021 in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that among adults aged 50 years and older, the risk of death related to COVID-19 was 90% lower among those who received three doses of the Pfizer vaccine compared to those who received only two doses.
It can be concluded that like vaccines for other diseases, people are best protected against infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 when they stay up to date with vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying—especially people who have received a booster.
There are multiple facilities in our local communities that continue to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. You can visit www.vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you or call your local pharmacy or clinic to verify if they have vaccines and boosters available. There is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine.
References: CDC. (March 2021-January 2022.). Effectiveness of mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19–Associated Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Death. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 1.
Are you eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination or booster?