Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

June 8, 2021

Decreases in COVID-19 Cases, Emergency Department Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Deaths Among Older Adults Following the Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, September 6, 2020–May 1, 2021

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  • The rate ratios for COVID-19 incidence, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths comparing adults aged ≥65 years (≥70 years for hospitalizations) to adults aged 18-49 years during a 2-week period in April 2021 declined by 40%, 59%, and 65%, respectively compared to a pre-vaccination period in November to December 2020. The authors conclude that the differential declines in COVID-19 outcomes are likely due to higher COVID-19 vaccination coverage among older adults. Since the COVID-19 vaccine administration began in December 2020, the proportion of persons aged ≥65 years receiving at least 1 dose was 25% in February 2021, 40% in March, and 82% by beginning of May compared to 7%, 10%, and 42%, among persons aged 18-49 years by the same dates, respectively. As of May 1, 2021, 69% of persons aged ≥65 years and 26% of persons 18–49 years were fully vaccinated.

Christie et al. (June 8, 2021). Decreases in COVID-19 Cases, Emergency Department Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Deaths Among Older Adults Following the Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, September 6, 2020–May 1, 2021. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7023e2