So I was going to stop posting updates as it doesn't seem to be very interesting anymore.
But with the Delta variant, a whole new set of analyses are being done by the US Govt and tons more data being presented.
Of particular note is the Delta variant situation in Massachusetts which led to the new mask mandate here in the US (for federal and military, states are advised to follow but not compelled). My wife is working on this case as an example to help prevent the same from occurring on military bases.
It is estimated that 70% of people in that region(Massachusetts) are vaccinated.
A quick summary, tens of thousands of vacationers descended on Cape Cod Massachusetts during July for vacation as well as for various festivals being run there. 469 cases confirmed in first two weeks of July(of these, estd 90% Delta variant), 74% being in vaccinated people. Given the majority of population are vaccinated, and given the # of vaccinated presenting with COVID symptoms, the theory is that vaccinated people may carry as much viral load if contracted, as unvaccinated. So therefore the possibility to be as contagious as unvaccinated, and therefore as much a risk to those that are unvaccinated. Resulting in the new mask mandate. This theory does not address the SEVERITY, which is far far less in vaccinated vs unvaccinated. It is largely based on the pure risk to unvaccinated people.
As of July 30, only 5 of those 469 were hospitalized, and no deaths. 3 of the 5 hospitalized had multiple underlying conditions.
If the vaccine had not existed, it is estimated it would have been ~45 hospitalized and potentially 10 deaths.
Further analysis is being done on the impact of the Delta variant vs competing variants(there are over 200), but it does appear that Delta variant has more success for breakthrough than other types at the moment.
Keep in mind these numbers are somewhat fuzzy, as the people in this vacation region are highly transient(trips of just a few days). Its what made this case study more difficult for the CDC to analyze clearly.
My Take: The vaccines appear to be working as they should. Not perfectly(as nothing is), but working. Remember that the vaccine does not prevent you from contracting the SARS-COV-2 Virus, it's purpose is to lessen the chance of developing the condition of COVID, and furthermore lessening the severity of COVID should it present. Which was the result in this case.
Hope this is interesting....
