WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Of the 18 people who died from COVID-19 in Jefferson County in October, 10 were fully vaccinated.
But, public health officials are quick to point out, “all had significant preexisting conditions.”
The numbers come from the county’s monthly COVID-19 report (see below), released Wednesday.
And officials clearly se the numbers as a call to arms.
“Just like the flu vaccine wanes, you need a flu shot every year, the COVID vaccine wanes,” said Stephen Jennings from Jefferson County’s Public Health office.
“It’s critical to get the third dose, which is for if you’re immunocompromised, or the booster shot if you’re eligible,” he said.
None of the fully vaccinated who died, officials say, had received the third vaccine dose that’s recommended for people who are immune compromised. And none had received a booster shot.
One person who died had received one dose and seven others were unvaccinated.
Eighty-six who suffered from COVID-19 in October were released from a hospital. Fifty-three were unvaccinated, 32 fully vaccinated, and one partially vaccinated.
Public health officials also report high levels of the virus have been detected in sewage from West Carthage and the city of Watertown. That, officials have said, can indicate an outbreak in about a week or two.
Nearly three-quarters of county residents have had at least one vaccine dose. Of those 12 and older who were eligible, 88 percent had at least one dose. CDC approval for those 5 to 11 years old came just this week.
Overall, 109 people have died in Jefferson County from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The county’s level of coronavirus transmission remains high.
“There needs to be that sense of urgency from the public to maintain their doses and vaccination status,” said Scott Gray, Chairman of the Jefferson County legislature.
Copyright 2021 WWNY. All rights reserved.
