To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on hospitalizations in Washington and Oregon using advanced mathematical modeling techniques.
Key Findings:
Vaccination averted 74% (95% CrI, 69%–78%) of total hospitalizations due to primary vaccination and 15% (95% CrI, 9%–19%) due to booster doses.
Vaccination effectiveness peaked during the Alpha variant wave, averting 90% (95% CrI, 88%–93%) of hospitalizations.
Vaccinating individuals aged 18-49 averted 52% (95% CrI, 44%–58%) of hospitalizations overall and 42% (95% CrI, 35%–48%) among those aged 65+.
Interpretation:
The vaccination program significantly reduced hospitalizations in Washington and Oregon, particularly benefiting older populations through broader vaccination strategies, which included targeted outreach and accessibility improvements.
Limitations:
Model assumptions may not fully capture real-world complexities of immunity and variant emergence, particularly in diverse populations.
Data limitations in tracking all breakthrough infections and hospitalizations may affect accuracy, potentially leading to underestimation of vaccine effectiveness.
Conclusion:
The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efforts in Washington and Oregon were highly effective in reducing hospitalizations, emphasizing the importance of vaccinating younger age groups to protect older adults and informing future public health strategies.
by Mia Moore, Larissa Anderson, Chloe Bracis, David A Swan, Ian Painter, Erik Everson, Holly Janes, Joshua T Schiffer, Laura Matrajt, Dobromir Dimitrov
