Ohio Chief Medical Officer on Unvaccinated Infection: “It’s really only a matter of time”

Ohio’s top medical official issued a warning on Wednesday, saying anyone who hasn’t received a coronavirus vaccine is almost certain to be infected as highly contagious variants tighten their grip on the States- United

Ohio’s top medical experts held a press conference on Wednesday where they discussed vaccine issues and safety. Bruce Vanderhoff, chief medical officer for the Ohio Department of Health, warned residents that they essentially have a choice between the vaccine and the virus.

“It’s really just a matter of time,” Vanderhoff said at the conference. “This is when, not if, an unvaccinated individual develops COVID-19.”

“Either you get vaccinated or you go to COVID-19,” he added.

Quite powerful words from @OHdeptofhealth Chief Medical Officer Dr Bruce Vanderhoff today. You can watch the press conference and find out more about what was said here: https://t.co/QBfcps1i4y@ dayton247now pic.twitter.com/gko9y58UoT

– Sick Chelsea (@ Chelsea247now) July 21, 2021

Vanderhoff said COVID-19 cases have doubled in Ohio in recent weeks, while hospitalizations have dropped from 200 to 348.

“All indications are that the data from July 4 to 17 will confirm that the delta if it quickly becomes the dominant variant in Ohio,” he said.

Ohio experienced its highest peak in COVID-19 cases since May on Tuesday, prompting new calls from health officials urging residents to get vaccinated. Only 48.6 percent of the state’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

“The benefits of these COVID-19 vaccines far outweigh the risk,” Vanderhoff later said.