New Data Shows Majority Of MI COVID-19 Patients Are Unvaccinated

MICHIGAN — New data released Thursday shows the majority of Michigan residents who are severely sick COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated, according to a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services news release.

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association found that three out of four COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated, which is 76 percent, 87 percent of COVID-19 ICU patients are unvaccinated and 88 percent of COVID-19 ventilator patients are unvaccinated, according to MHA data.

"The data is clear: if you are unvaccinated, you are risking hospitalization or death," MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel said. "We have a safe and effective vaccine that is quite literally saving lives. Michigan residents absolutely need to get vaccinated to keep their loved ones safe this holiday."

Michigan's number of hospitalized COVID-19 cases reached a new high this week, with 4,291 patients hospitalized, the news release said.

Recently, Michigan reached 70% of residents 16 and older who have received their first vaccine dose, but cases are surging in the unvaccinated population.

State health officials are also watching for the COVID-19 omicron variant, which has not been detected in the state. Residents are advised that the presence of variants makes it even more important to get vaccinated, including the booster doses to increase protection, wear masks and take other precautions.

In addition to getting vaccinated and wearing masks (particularly indoors and in crowded areas) other things people can do to protect themselves and others include:

• Getting tested for COVID-19, especially before gatherings.
• Physically distancing from others and avoiding crowds.
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water and cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand rub.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Self-isolating until you recover if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.

State health officials issued a public health advisory for all Michigan residents-regardless of vaccination status-which includes wearing a mask in indoor public settings and those who are not fully vaccinated or who are immunocompromised should avoid large crowds or gatherings.