Unvaccinated Victims of COVID in Montana

Friday, a report from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) showed more than 200 new positive tests for the COVID-19 virus in the state. The numbers have been consistently above 200 new daily cases for over a week now. And the DPHHS also reported that Montana is seeing a trend of hospitalizations connected to those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19.

In a news release August 5th, the department reported an increase in hospitalizations at an average of 95 people per day, up 44 percent from a week ago. The trend of COVID-19 positive tests has been climbing, too. For instance, the week of June 25th, were were 359 cases, and a month later, the weekly report was 1,180 statewide cases.

However, the DPHHS also said the vaccination rate is increasing, with an 18 percent increase in those receiving their first inoculation, for the week ending July 30th. Director Adam Meier said, "This is an encouraging sign to see that more people are deciding to get vaccinated, and I hope this trend continues in the coming weeks." DPHHS reports that over 446,000 Montanans are full vaccinated, which is about 48 percent of the eligible population. Of that, those aged 60 and above have a 74 percent fully vaccinated total.

DPHHS acting State Medical Director Maggie Cook-Shimanek said, "It's important for all individuals to get the vaccine to limit the spread in Montana. As it spreads, the virus replicates and creates new variants, which have the potential to increase transmission and cause more infections. That has been the case with the Delta variant in recent months. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep your family safe."