COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline, while the number of people who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine continues to increase. As of October 21, 2021, more than 189 million people in the United States (approximately 57% of the total U.S. population) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Everyone should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible, including people who have already had COVID-19.
7-Day moving average
Studies show that the incidence of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death is higher among people who are unvaccinated compared to people who are fully vaccinated. A new COVID Data Tracker page shows that in August 2021, people who were unvaccinated were 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people who were fully vaccinated. A second new COVID Data Tracker page shows that people who were unvaccinated were 12 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to people who were fully vaccinated.* Additionally, a recent CDC-supported evaluation found that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were 93% effective at preventing COVID-19 hospitalization in adolescents ages 12-18 years.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 helps protect people from getting sick with or severely ill from COVID-19. People who are unvaccinated remain the most vulnerable to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination, along with layered prevention strategies, continues to be our best defense against severe disease. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is fast, easy, and free. To find a vaccine provider near you, visit vaccines.gov or your state or local public health department website.
*Preliminary analyses through August 2021 show that among adults 18 years of age and older, the age-adjusted hospitalization rate was 12 times higher in unvaccinated people than those who were vaccinated. Among adults between 18-49 years of age, the rate was 14 times higher. And among adults 65 years and older, the rate was 9 times higher.