NSW Health Report - Vaccination among COVID-19 cases in the NSW Delta outbreak

 The NSW Health in focus report, Vaccination among COVID-19 cases in the NSW Delta outbreak Reporting period: 16 June to 7 October 2021  describes the vaccination status of locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with reported onset of infection with the dates mentioned.

Of 61,800 COVID-19 cases, the vast majority were unvaccinated; 6.1% of cases had two doses of vaccine, 9.2% had one dose, 63.1% reported having no vaccine. The proportion of those who were vaccinated increased with the age of the patients. This could be a reflection of the way that the role out was conducted in that the older people were eligible earlier.

8,660 cases were hospitalised, 1,015 admitted to ICU and 412 died with COVID-19. Of these, 493 of the hospitalised, 30 of those admitted to ICU and 47 of those who died had received two doses of vaccine. Of the 47 cases who died with COVID-19 having received two doses of vaccine, their average age was 82 years; 29 (61.7%) were residents of aged care facilities and the other 18 had significant comorbidities. Of the 30 admitted to ICU, 26 (86.7%) had significant co-morbidities and 4 had no reported comorbid conditions. 

Source: Vaccination among COVID-19 cases in the NSW Delta outbreak Reporting period: 16 June to 7 October 2021 health.nsw.gov.au

In the peak fortnight of the outbreak (25 August to 7 September), the COVID-19 case rate among 2-dose vaccinated people was 49.5 per 100,000 while in unvaccinated people it was 561 per 100,000, a more than 10 times more. The rates of COVID-19 ICU admissions or deaths peaked in the fortnight 8 September to 21 September at 0.9 per 100,000 in 2-dose vaccinated people compared to 15.6 per 100,000 in unvaccinated people, a more than 16-fold difference.

The effect of the vaccine proved greatest against serious disease, but vaccination also protected against infection. Protection seemed greater in younger compared to older people. In the fortnight 8-21 September, the rates of infection in the 2-dose vaccinated population compared to the unvaccinated population was 21 versus 488 per 100,000 in those aged 12-19 years and 61 versus 193 per 100,000 in those aged 80+ years. 

Throughout the NSW outbreak, across all ages, people who have received 2 doses of vaccine have significantly lower rates of COVID-19 and severe COVID-19 than unvaccinated people. But, vaccination does not completely protect people from infection and the other recommended public health measures should continue to be followed. 

These facts might help clinicians convince those who are still unsure to get vaccinated. Download the full report using the link above.