Local health officials say the average age of Greene County residents who have died from COVID-19 decreased to 62 years in August, the lowest since the pandemic began in 2020.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says the previous low was 66 years in July, highlighting the impact of the Delta variant on people of all ages.
Of the 52 people who died from the virus in Greene County in August, the youngest person was in their 20’s and the oldest was in their 80’s.
Here’s the edited press release from the health department:
“Increased case counts, hospitalizations and deaths of people of all ages are unfortunate results of so many choosing not to get vaccinated,” said Director of Health Katie Towns. “Until more individuals in our community seek vaccine, more people will experience severe illness from this virus, especially as we head into the fall and winter months.”
In August, 19,095 doses of vaccine were administered compared to 21,445 in July. At 47%, Greene County’s vaccination rate is significantly lower than the national vaccination rate of 61.2% for people 12 and up. However, there is momentum. On August 6, Greene County community passed the halfway mark, with 50% of residents 12 and older receiving at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine. By August 31, nearly 53% of residents were partially vaccinated while 47% were fully vaccinated.
On August 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals who have already completed a 2-dose vaccine series. Although hospitalizations and fatalities among fully vaccinated individuals are rare, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced response to the COVID-19 vaccination, leaving them more susceptible to illness. The FDA granted approval for the Pfizer vaccine on August 23. Vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson continue to be available under emergency use authorization.
A full list of vaccine opportunities can be found at vaccine417.com or by calling the COVID-19 call center at (417) 874-1211.
Data for August 1-31
Number of new COVID-19 cases:
- 3,457 cases compared to 5,938 in July
Difference in seven-day average:
- The seven- day average on August 31 was 76, down from 176 on July 30.
Difference in hospitalizations:
- 144 individuals were treated for COVID-19 in Springfield hospitals on August 31, down from 265 on July 30.
COVID-19 deaths:
*This number represents confirmed COVID-19 deaths that occurred in August. This number could change based on delayed reports.
- 53 deaths occurred in the month of August compared to 75 in July
Average age of death:
- 62 years compared to 66 years in July
Number of vaccine doses administered among Greene County residents:
- 19,095 doses compared to 21,445 in July
Current data
Number of hospitalizations:
- 144 hospitalizations
- 42 are Greene County residents
Number of Greene County residents fully vaccinated:
- 47.33% Greene County residents 12 and older have been fully vaccinated
- According to the CDC, 61.2% of Americans 12+ have been fully vaccinated.
Cases by vaccination status (among cases where the vaccination status is known):
- Since January, 93% of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 were not vaccinated.
Additional information, including daily updates, can be found on the Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard at http://health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus