Tuscaloosa Records Most COVID-19 Hospitalizations Since January

TUSCALOOSA, AL — DCH Health System on Monday reported 149 total coronavirus inpatients to begin the week, marking the most hospitalizations for the Tuscaloosa-based hospital system since Jan. 26.

But the speed and scope of transmission stands out as the most worrisome statistic, as Tuscaloosa went from nine total COVID-19 hospitalizations on July 14 to Monday's 149. In the previous major surge, numbers show that it took DCH roughly eight months to match the same progression — from April 2020 to the following December.

DCH added 29 new cases on Monday alone, while the number of fully-vaccinated inpatients climbed slightly to 12% — up from a fairly-consistent 10% since the data first started being tracked. It's worth noting that in May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ceased tracking breakthrough infections, opting instead to focus on collecting data relating to breakthrough infections that lead to hospitalization or death.

Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts

Of the patients currently receiving care at DCH, 32 are currently receiving critical care in intensive care units, while 21 are receiving treatment on ventilators. The total number of patients on ventilators underscores another disturbing high not seen since the peak of the surge seen from December into January as ICU space and ventilator availability are stretched to their thinnest points nationwide.

Additionally, 28 people have died at the hospital over the last two weeks after testing positive for COVID-19, coming out to 602 total since the beginning of the pandemic. It’s unclear if any of thee deaths over this period are Tuscaloosa residents, as that number has stayed at 315 in DCH’s reporting for weeks.

The beginning of the week also saw the University of Alabama System release its most recent coronavirus update. From Aug. 16-22, the UA System said 103 students and 14 faculty/staff tested positive for the virus. Vaccination data among faculty and staff saw little change over the week, coming in at 72%.

But in a spot of positive news today — as the Crimson Tide plans to kick off the 2021 college football season against Miami in Atlanta in less than two weeks — Athletic Director Greg Byrne announced that 91.47% of the entire UA Athletic Department, including athletes, coaches and staff, have been vaccinated.

As Patch reported on Monday, the latest COVID-19 data in Tuscaloosa also came on the same day that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration gave full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, which was previously cleared only through emergency use authorization.

Officials hope the full authorization will improve public confidence in the vaccine, as hospitalizations surge nationwide. In Alabama and across the country, the vast majority of those receiving inpatient care for the coronavirus have not been vaccinated — a number which is about 90% at DCH as of Monday.

The most recent vaccination numbers from the Alabama Department of Public Health show that 150,126 total doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Tuscaloosa County, with 68,522 individuals completing their vaccination series.

U.S. health officials announced earlier this month plans to offer booster shots to all Americans beginning in the fall. Experts insist those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will have a much lower chance of contracting the disease than if not, and even if they do, will likely experience mild or no symptoms.

DCH also pointed out that the FDA has now fully approved the Pfizer vaccine for those who are 16 years of age or older, while the Pfizer vaccine is still available for those who are 12-15 years old, and as a third or booster dose under an emergency use authorization.

As noted by DCH and others, the vaccine will now be marketed under the name “Comirnaty.”

ALSO READ: What You Need To Know About COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections

Despite DCH reporting some breakthrough cases among its inpatient population, the system quickly pivoted earlier this month when the FDA amended its Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer and Moderna to allow for a third dose or booster of their COVID-19 vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals.

As Patch previously reported, DCH Health System immediately set in motions plans to offer the booster to certain segments of the population beginning last Friday.

DCH Health System continues to offer coronavirus vaccines every Friday at its remote site adjacent to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Click here to learn more.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.