COVID the 3rd-leading cause of U.S. deaths — Vaccines could have prevented over half
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COVID-19 accounted for 460,513 deaths in the US last year, up almost 20% from 2020, making it the third-leading cause of death in the country for the second consecutive year, CDC data show.
The researchers analyzed death certificate data for deaths occurring among residents in the United States from January to December last year. They found that 2021 saw the highest overall death rate since 2003, with heart disease and cancer being the first and the second leading cause of death, respectively.
The overall death rate was lowest among children aged 5 to 14 years old, and highest among people aged 85 and above, a trend similar to 2020, the report found. Deaths peaked in the months of January and September.
You can read the full story in Reuters.
In a related story, an analysis from the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker found timely COVID-19 vaccinations could have prevented around 234,000 coronavirus-related deaths or around 60% of all adult COVID-19 fatalities in the US since June 2021, when the vaccines were starting to be widely distributed.
The study, which did not include the effect of booster doses on COVID-19 mortality, analyzed the share of COVID-19 fatalities among unvaccinated Americans, which ranged from 85% in June 2021 to 58% in January.
You can read the full story in The Hill.
This blog was accurate as of the day of posting. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus and the COVID vaccine develops, the information above may have changed since it was last updated. While I aim to keep all of my blogs on COVID and the COVID vaccine up to date, please visit online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department to stay informed on the latest news.
© Copyright WLL, INC. 2022. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.
