Social media posts about the SARS-CoV-2 virus are widespread, and it is normal behaviour during a pandemic. However, experts warn that not everyone understands how to interpret specific statistics and reports. This leads to misinterpretation and false claims. This appears to have been the case of a social media post regarding CDC’s reports about the Provincetown July outbreak.
CDC’s report found that 74% of people were vaccinated in a recent Covid-19 outbreak
Vaccine sceptics have used the information to argue against the efficiency of the Covid-19 vaccines. However, experts warn that studies show that the available Covid-19 vaccines are highly effective and protect us against death and severe cases that might require intubation and hospitalization. Although the vaccines’ efficiency rates are lower against the Delta strain, getting the jabs and protecting ourselves is essential. The Delta strain is responsible for more than 93% of Covid-19 cases in the U.S, and the threshold for herd immunity might need to be higher than 80%.
Vaccinated people can get infected, but the vaccines work
The social media post mentioned a CDC report that tackled the recent outbreak in Barnstable County after a major public event. The CDC report revealed that out of the 469 of those who got infected during the event, 74% of them were already vaccinated. Out of the 74% of those infected, 90% of them tested positive for the Delta strain. The finding modified CDC’s guidelines, and new recommendations include wearing masks for indoor places and large public events, regardless of vaccination status.
How should we interpret these findings?
Experts argue that although 745 of those who got infected were vaccinated, this might become the norm as more than 70% of U.S residents are already fully vaccinated. They explain that although there will be cases of infection among vaccinated individuals, they are unlikely to develop severe cases. Vaccines continue to help avoid death and severe complications of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its mutated strains.
