A 70-year-old woman was reported dead on Friday. The local resident had tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized at the time of her death. Health officials did not release further information.
The health department, citing a CDC publication with data collected by the state Department of Health, highlighted the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalizations. From May 3 to July 25, 7,308 unvaccinated adults were hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to 1,271 vaccinated adults.
But the department also noted that the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing COVID-19 cases decreases over time, from 92% to 80%, over the 2 1/2 month period. They explained that the reduction in effectiveness “coincides with the increase in the Delta variant, as well as the relaxation of masking and physical distancing requirements and recommendations.”
Federal health officials will allow booster shots eight months after the people are fully vaccinated. The goal of booster shots is to increase the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially with the presence of Delta and other variants.
In Cayuga County, 57.1% of residents eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are fully vaccinated.
The Cayuga County Health Department will hold two vaccination clinics next week. A mobile clinic will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street, Auburn. A back-to-school clinic is scheduled for 4 to 5 p.m. in the basement of the Cayuga County Office Building, 160 Genesee St., Auburn.