New York Releases First-In-The-Nation Study on Covid-19 Vaccine Effectiveness

New Yorkers may be shocked by the results of a first-in-the-nation study on the COVID vaccine.

The New York State Department of Health released new data regarding the effectiveness of vaccines in the fight against COVID-19.

The study, which was published by the CDC, found that unvaccinated New Yorkers were 11 times more likely to be hospitalized and eight times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 than those who were fully vaccinated.

The results of the Department's first-in-the-nation vaccine effectiveness study, show vaccinations remain the best way for New Yorkers to protect themselves, families and communities from COVID-19 and its most severe outcomes such as hospitalization, officials say.

"The findings of our research are clear: Vaccines provide the strongest protection for New Yorkers against getting infected or becoming hospitalized due to COVID-19," State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said.

Public health scientists and epidemiologists from the New York State Department of Health examined rates of cases and hospitalization among vaccinated New Yorkers 18 years of age and older, from "breakthrough" infections, and compared these to rates among unvaccinated, from May 3 to July 25.

During the emergence of the Delta variant and the reduction of social distancing and mask-wearing, both unvaccinated and vaccinated adults experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases, officials say.

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However, researchers stress the study found vaccines remained about 92 percent to 95 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations among the vaccinated.

The effectiveness of the vaccines declined from about 92 percent to 80 percent in reducing COVID-19 cases, the study found. CLICK HERE for more information about the study.

"These results demonstrate that compared to unvaccinated people, those who are vaccinated remain consistently far more protected against infection and hospitalization. Vaccines remain a critical tool for COVID-19 prevention," Lead study author Dr. Eli Rosenberg of the Department of Health said.