Real world data shows that vaccination can greatly reduce your chances of dying from COVID-19.
Real-world Data from the United Kingdom shows that being vaccinated greatly reduces your chances of dying from COVID-19 infections. While previous clinical trials have backed the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccines, this is one of the first studies to provided evidence backed by real-world data.
According to the report from UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), “Between 2 January and 24 September 2021, the age-adjusted risk of deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) was 32 times greater in unvaccinated people than in fully vaccinated individuals.
Their estimate is based on observations of mortality rates between 2 January and 24 September 2021. Their data showed that the age-standardised mortality rate per 100,000 person-years was 849.7 among unvaccinated people, compared to 26.2 among people who received the second vaccine dose at least 21 days ago.
The report considered differences in age and population size to reach their estimate. However, the authors also acknowledge that some factors, like the health status of each person, may also be influencing their results.
The report comes amid current efforts in the UK, Australia, and other countries to provide boosters to those who are already fully vaccinated. Vaccine boosters are now widely recommended, following evidence that vaccine immunity significantly falls several months after the second dose. Having a booster is a way to improve your long-term protection from COVID-19.
The Australian government recently announced that booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all Australians aged 18 and over from November 8. The boosters will be available for those who are fully vaccinated with two shots of any COVID-19 vaccine, and have received their second jab at least six months ago.