Statistics Support 'A Pandemic Of The Unvaccinated'

Top health officials warn Americans of a "pandemic among the unvaccinated" as recent figures from around the country reveal most COVID-19 associated hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are not fully inoculated.

States with lower vaccination rates, like Louisiana and Maryland, are case studies in what happens to a community with low vaccination rates as both states have seen sharp spikes in recent months.

“COVID-like illness, cases, and hospitalizations are increasing in every region of Louisiana,” Governor John Edwards said in a tweet. “Make no mistake, we are in a fourth surge.”

Since February, 97% of COVID-19 cases and COVID-associated deaths in Louisiana have been among those who were not fully vaccinated, the governor reported.

“If you are not fully vaccinated, get vaccinated,” Edwards said.

This surge is a trend throughout the country. Forty-eight states are now seeing new case numbers surge at least 10% higher than the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

“This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Friday.

Most of this rise is thanks to the Delta variant, which is more transmissible and is causing new outbreaks., US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNN.

In June, a spokesperson for the office of Maryland’s governor reported that all COVID-19 deaths in the state occurred in people who were unvaccinated.

New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are also among unvaccinated individuals, with 95% and 93% respectively.

According to ABC News, other states have reported similar findings. They have urged people to get vaccinated as the more transmissible delta variant is causing new outbreaks.

"We only have two choices, we are either going to get vaccinated and end the pandemic or we are going to accept death, a lot of it, this surge and another surge and possibly another variant,” infectious disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal said on Friday during a state COVID-19 press briefing.