ABC News analysis of federal data shows that breakthrough cases comprise an increasing proportion of those who die of COVID-19. In August of 2021, about 18.9% of COVID-19 deaths occurred among the vaccinated. Six months later, in February 2022, that proportional percent of deaths had increased to more than 40%.
In September 2021, just 1.1% of COVID-19 deaths occurred among Americans who had been fully vaccinated and boosted with their first dose. By February 2022, that percentage had increased to about 25%. Experts said the increase in breakthrough deaths is expected as more Americans reach full vaccination status.
“These data should not be interpreted as vaccines not working. In fact, these real-world analyses continue to reaffirm the incredible protection these vaccines afford especially when up to date with boosters,” said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital and an ABC News contributor. Many vulnerable Americans are more than one year out from their primary vaccinations and have yet to receive booster doses. About 91.5 million eligible Americans, about half of those currently eligible, have yet to receive their first booster shot.
The increase in breakthrough deaths comes as a growing proportion of older Americans enter the hospital for COVID-19 related care. Throughout the omicron surge, the average age of those in the hospital with COVID-19 has steadily gotten older again. In recent months, during the omicron surge, 73% of deaths have been among those 65 and older. Vaccines and boosters continue to provide significant protection against severe disease. However, waning immunity re-emphasizes the urgency of boosting older Americans and high-risk Americans with additional doses. The best way to protect the older population is to make sure everyone around them is fully immunized.
Only about 10 million people have received a second booster, which is authorized for people 50 and older. With waning immunity and a coronavirus that seems to become more infectious with each new variant, it’s a good time to get a second booster.