Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has released a report highlighting the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in Montana. The data, collected over eight months from February to September 2021, indicates that those not fully vaccinated are significantly more likely to experience severe outcomes from the virus.

According to the report, 89.5% of COVID-19 cases, 88.6% of hospitalizations, and 83.5% of deaths occurred among individuals who were not fully vaccinated. This includes those who were not eligible for vaccination at the time.

Focusing on an eight-week period from July 11 to September 4, 2021, the report found that unvaccinated Montanans contracted COVID-19 at a rate 4.4 times higher than their vaccinated counterparts. Hospitalization and death rates for this group were also notably higher—5.1 and 3.3 times greater, respectively.

“The data are overwhelming. The COVID-19 vaccine offers the best protection against infection and at preventing severe illness,” stated DPHHS Director Adam Meier. He urged those with questions about vaccination to consult healthcare providers or pharmacists.

The report also noted significant impacts on younger adults aged 18-39, who had the highest number of cases among both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. However, unvaccinated individuals in this age range experienced case rates 4.4 times higher than those who were fully vaccinated.

There is a notable age gap in severe outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals; during a recent eight-week period, the median age for hospitalization was lower among those not fully vaccinated (60 years) compared to fully vaccinated individuals (75 years).

Breakthrough cases—COVID-19 infections occurring after full vaccination—are defined as infections happening at least two weeks post-vaccination series completion.

DPHHS emphasizes precautionary measures alongside vaccination efforts: “In addition to encouraging vaccination, DPHHS encourages all Montana residents and visitors to exercise personal responsibility," said acting State Medical Officer Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek.

Montanans seeking vaccine information can visit covidvaccine.mt.gov.