Analysis: Vaccinations could have prevented many of 129 COVID-19 deaths in SW Nebraska

McCOOK, Neb. — Many of the 129 COVID-19 deaths reported so far in Southwest Nebraska could have been prevented by vaccinations, according to a state analysis.

Three more were reported in February according to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported another seven in the district from February to December 2022.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue said a recent analysis showed that since September 2022, Nebraskans who received the updated boosters were at a 17 times lower risk of death compared to those who have not received the vaccine.

Additionally, Nebraskans who received the original vaccine series were at a two times lower risk of dying compared to those who had not received any COVID vaccine.

Nebraskans who had not received a primary series are also five times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than those who completed two doses.

SWPHD reported six cases April 2-8, with a total of 208 in February and March, an average of 26 cases per week over eight weeks.

Most of them were in long-term facilities, and there were probably more unreported because of low testing numbers, but case counts have been dropping, according to SWPHD officials.

Most of the COVID-19 deaths in Southwest Nebraska occurred during the winter months of November, December and January, 47% were female, 53% were male, ages ranged from 17 to 105 years old, and eight out of 10 deaths were people age 65 years or older.

“While the pandemic emergency phase has passed and life in Nebraska returned to normal long ago, COVID-19 is still the third leading cause of death in the state,” said Dr. Donahue. The COVID-19 virus changes over time. The up-to-date vaccines include a component of the original virus strain and a component of the omicron variant to provide better protection against newer variants.

Anyone ages 6 months and older who have completed the primary series of COVID vaccine more than two months ago are eligible for an updated booster. These boosters are still free and can be found at your local pharmacy or at your local health department. If you need help finding an updated booster near you, call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Consider choosing today to protect your health in 2023 with an up-to-date booster shot.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram or view the website at www.swhealth.ne.gov which contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. Call (308) 345-4223; one number three locations, McCook, Imperial, and Ogallala.