Vaccine effective in Minnesota, but omicron presents a challenge

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More COVID-19 deaths were reported in vaccinated than unvaccinated Minnesotans in the second week of January, but risks remained higher in people who hadn't received their shots.

Unvaccinated Minnesotans made up only 47% of the 163 COVID-19 deaths in the week ending Jan. 15, but they remained at greater risk considering they make up less than 23% of the state's adult population, according to Monday's weekly state report on breakthrough COVID-19 cases.

The data match a national study released Friday, and co-authored by researchers from Bloomington-based HealthPartners, that observed a decline in vaccine effectiveness against the omicron variant. Effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations during the omicron wave declined from 91% in people two months after they received booster shots to 78% four months after they received those third COVID-19 vaccine shots, the study found.

Boosters still offered superior protection, and people shouldn't interpret the results as a reason not to get vaccinated, said Dr. Malini DeSilva, a HealthPartners co-author.

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The findings come on the downside of the omicron wave in Minnesota, which on Monday reported 33 more COVID-19 deaths — including two people in their 30s — and 4,338 confirmed infections. The state's reported positivity rate of COVID-19 testing has declined from 23.6% in the week ending Jan. 10 to 12.5% on Feb. 4.

COVID-19 hospitalizations also have declined to 1,010, including 150 people receiving intensive care. That is the lowest ICU number since Aug. 21, reducing pressure on hospitals and their critical care capacity.

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https://www.startribune.com/vaccine-effectiveness-dented-in-minnesotas-omicron-wave/600146666/