A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that COVID-19 vaccinations may have helped prevent roughly 24,000 new COVID-19 infections and 3,600 deaths among seniors in Texas during the first five months of 2021. The study, which was conducted by researchers with HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), also found that nationally, vaccinations were linked to a reduction of approximately 265,000 COVID-19 infections, 107,000 hospitalizations, and 39,000 deaths among Medicare beneficiaries between January and May 2021.

“This report reaffirms what we hear routinely from states: COVID-19 vaccines save lives, prevent hospitalizations, and reduce infection,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized getting vaccines quickly to pharmacies, nursing homes, doctors’ offices and even provided increased reimbursement rates for at-home COVID-19 vaccinations, so that seniors and others can easily get vaccinated.”

The report reflects the devastating effect COVID-19 has had on our vulnerable seniors and demonstrates that efforts to prioritize and vaccinate this group directly correlate to saving lives. More than 352,000 lives were lost during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the availability of vaccines, nearly 80 percent of these deaths were among people 65 and older who were also Medicare eligible. For the period of January to May 2021, when vaccination grew from one percent to 47 percent among adults 18 to 64 and from one percent to 80 percent among seniors, the study found an 11-12 percent decrease in weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths among Medicare beneficiaries for every 10 percent increase in county vaccination rates.

To find the ASPE report, visit: https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/covid-19-vaccination-rates-outcomes.

FULLY VACCINATED

As of Monday, 32,1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to at least 17,5 million Texans.

An estimated 62.69 % of people 12 years or older are now fully vaccinated in our state. This number comprises about 79.70 % of Texans as 65 or older.

Here are the percentages of fully vaccinated individuals in local counties:

12 years +  | 65 years +
–Freestone: 40.13% | 59.46%
–Navarro: 49.23% | 71.34%
–Limestone: 40.07% | 58.48%
–Leon: 40.50% | 63.59%
–Anderson: 41.14% | 61.27%

COVID-19 CASES

Active cases continue to surge locally, as multiple variants have been documented in Texas and the United States that may spread more easily or cause more serious illness.

The Texas Department of Health and Humans Services has updated their COVID-19 app, visit dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ and click Case Count to view to information.

Here is a current look at cases for local counties, as of October 10, 2021:

Confirmed | Probable | Fatalities | Active cases
–Freestone: 1,610 | 1,097 | 64 | 100
–Navarro: 4,233 | 4,322| 178 | 346
–Limestone: 2,575 | 1,005 | 106 | 79
–Leon: 1,813 | 610 | 62 | 104
–Anderson: 5,015 | 2,869 | 189 | 872

LOCAL VACCINE SITES
Texas is currently allowing vaccinations for all persons 12 and over.

Visit online at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ to find a location near you.

Know someone who is eligible for a vaccine but doesn’t have internet access? Have them call 833-832-7067 for referral to a local vaccine provider.

Or, text your zip code to 438829 to receive a list of vaccination sites near you.