Public health reports 62 deaths in September, mortality rate trends are younger in unvaccinated population – Communications and Outreach – Communications and Outreach

Public health reports 62 deaths in September, mortality rate trends are younger in unvaccinated population

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, North Carolina – New Hanover County public health officials have been told of four resident deaths in the past week, bringing the county’s total death toll from COVID-19 to 267. Sixty-two deaths have been reported in September, the highest number of COVID-19 Deaths reported in a single month since the start of the pandemic.

Of the 62 deaths reported in September, the ages of those who died and were not vaccinated were younger than those who died and were fully vaccinated. Deaths reported in unvaccinated people averaged 56 years, compared with an average age of 77 in those vaccinated. Sixty-five percent of deaths reported this month in the unvaccinated population were in their 30s, 40s or 50s, while more than eighty-five percent of deaths reported in those vaccinated were aged 70 years or older.

“There is still this myth that being young makes you immune to serious illnesses from COVID-19 and that just isn’t true,” said Director of Health and Human Services Donna Fayko. “What we have seen is that those who are not vaccinated face more serious health problems than those who are vaccinated, and unfortunately many people who died from COVID-19 this month were in the younger age groups. We still need more people to get vaccinated to protect themselves. Vaccinations not only help you strengthen your protection against COVID-19, but also help our entire community to strengthen its protection so that we can fight this virus, save lives and move our community forward. “

As an organization, the New Hanover County government has a current vaccination rate of 82.5% as of September 30. In August, the county vaccination policy outlined occupational safety and health measures designed to maintain the continuity of county services, and set an internal target to reach 75 percent of employees vaccinated by October 1. This rate will continue to increase as county policy now requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all new hires, ensuring the continuity of county operations and essential community services.

“I am really delighted that we have exceeded our organization’s goal for vaccinations,” said Chris Coudriet, County Director. “This is a testament to the fact that so many people in our organization have taken the important step to protect themselves, their families and colleagues by getting vaccinated. I hope others in our community see the benefits of getting the vaccine as well, to help protect them and give them a head start in the fight against the virus if they are exposed to it. “

Recall shots

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have cleared and recommended booster shots to provide continued protection to people at high risk of serious illness or exposure and who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) for six months or more. The booster dose is free and is the same product given in the first two doses.

Eligible persons include persons:

• 65 years or older,
• 18 years of age or older who live in long-term care or other high-risk facilities where many people live together (i.e. homeless shelters, correctional facilities or dormitories),
• 18 years of age or older with underlying medical conditions, or
• 18 years of age or older and work in high risk settings such as healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and child care providers or food workers.

Appointments are required for booster doses with Public Health and can be made at takemyshot.nc.gov. Be sure to bring a copy or photo of your vaccination card to your appointment, or to know the dates of your Pfizer vaccinations.

COVID-19 community data, as of September 30:

• Over the past week, 354 new cases of COVID-19 and 4 deaths have been reported (for a total of 25,203 total COVID-19 cases in New Hanover County and 267 resident deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic). Currently, 1,620 people have suspected active cases. Check out the County Data Dashboard on Health.NHCgov.cov / Coronavirus.
• The 14-day positivity rate is 8%, continuing a downward trend from the 9.6% reported last week and 11.8% the week before. This metric represents positive COVID-19 tests as a percentage of total countywide testing and is updated to COVID19.NCDHHS.gov/ Dashboard.
• An average of 59 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized daily, according to the NHRMC. Local hospitalization data are updated every week by NHRMC and by State and regional NCDHHS.
• About 145,711 New Hanover County residents (about 62%) have received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and about 137,445 residents (about 59%) are fully immunized and protected against COVID-19.

View information on Public Health vaccination clinics, booster doses and more at Health.NHCgov.com/Coronavirus.

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