Higher vaccination rates predict reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission across the United States

Abstract

Purpose The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began proliferating widely throughout the world in late 2019/early 2020, creating a global pandemic and health crisis. Although vaccines became available to the public approximately 1 year after the onset of the pandemic, there still remains much hesitancy surrounding vaccination. One key concern comes from reports of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated that show comparable levels of peak viral load as the unvaccinated, calling into question the ability of vaccines to prevent transmission. Therefore young, healthy individuals who are at low risk of serious complications themselves have little incentive to receive a vaccine that they are not convinced will protect others around them. To address this important concern, this study aimed to evaluate the extent to which vaccination rates are associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission among the unvaccinated population. Methods An observational study was conducted in the United States of America throughout the months of June through September, 2021. Vaccination rate and incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were obtained for each state, along with a number of important control variables. Panel data regression was used to predict incidence among the unvaccinated based on each state’s vaccination rate. Results States with a higher proportion of fully vaccinated individuals reported fewer new cases among the remaining unvaccinated population. Conclusion These data add to accumulating evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations can indeed slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and are an important tool in society’s arsenal to put this pandemic behind us.

Comparison of the Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Various SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers: Are Our White Coat Armies Protected?

“…Data, updated to 24 October 2021, reported that 23 vaccines were each approved by at least one country and have been granted emergency use authorization or made available for use outside of clinical trials via any pathway by a regulatory agency, a national authority, or another entity [ 3 ]. Studies showed that vaccines contributed to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, and may have provided a degree of herd immunity [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

False Beliefs and Attitude Are Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccination

“…Many of those are in countries across the globe with only 3 focused on the United States and only 1 focusing on the general population. That study found that a “… higher proportion of fully vaccinated individuals reported fewer new cases among the remaining unvaccinated population.” 20…”

“…That study found that a " : : : higher proportion of fully vaccinated individuals reported fewer new cases among the remaining unvaccinated population." 20 In the sea of misinformation mentioned above, the public needs educated healthcare individuals, who they trust to help guide them in the choice of vaccination. Extending the front lines of vaccination to the primary care physician (PCP) could help alleviate many of the health equality concerns as well as the barriers to vaccination identified by the HBM.…”

Vaccination rates and the causes of vaccine hesitancy among patients with end stage renal disease

“…Because vaccine hesitancy rates are increasing day by day, it is important to find out the main reasons for this subject. Unvaccinated persons transmit infectious diseases easily to the main population (7).…”